22 year old Kyle MacCorquodale is to join the Hallé Orchestra as Principal Bass Trombone following a competitive audition and trial process.

The fourth year brass student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will to combine his Bachelor of Music undergraduate degree with his new role, and received the news from the Hallé's Music Director, Sir Mark Elder.

Out of the blue

Kyle said: "The call came completely out of the blue, but I'm absolutely delighted and can't wait to get started. I've loved working with the orchestra.

They are outstanding musicians, but it's also a very supportive environment, which is important when you are going to be spending a lot of time with each other."

Kyle grew up in Carluke, South Lanarkshire, playing with Coalburn Silver Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

He studied with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's Alastair Sinclair at the Royal Conservatoire's Junior Conservatoire before pursuing the BMus degree at the Royal Conservatoire, where he has been taught by the Orchestra of Scottish Opera's bass trombone player, Chris Stearn.

Competition success

He has also enjoyed numerous competition successes, including victories at the Besson Scottish Solo Championships, the Bob Hughes Bass Trombone Competition and the Royal Conservatoire's Governors' Prize for Brass. In 2016, he was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award.

He added: "I would not be here without the support I have received from the Royal Conservatoire. Chris Stearn has been a fountain of knowledge and has shared his decades of experience.

The size of the department meant I received opportunities to perform in a wide variety of ensembles, playing diverse repertoire under so many talented tutors and conductors."

The call came completely out of the blue, but I'm absolutely delighted and can't wait to get started. I've loved working with the orchestraKyle MacCorquodale

Exceptional musicality

Meanwhile, John Logan, Head of Brass at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, added: "Many congratulations to Kyle on his appointment.

To secure a full-time position in an orchestra while still an undergraduate student is an outstanding achievement, and testament to Kyle's dedication and exceptional musicality.

He now joins an ever increasing pool of musicians who have come through the doors of the Royal Conservatoire before going on to perform in leading orchestras around the world and I wish him well in this exciting chapter of his professional life."