The Belgian euphonium virtuoso Glenn Van Looy is looking forward to making regular visits to the UK in the coming year as he prepares to take up his role as International Tutor at the University of Salford.

It comes at an exciting time for the establishment as they also look forward to welcoming a new intake of students and offering them, as well as those studying for their Masters degree, the opportunity to work with some of the world's finest brass musicians.

Regular visits

Speaking to 4BR, Dr Brett Baker, Programme Leader Musical Arts said: "Glenn's regular visits will further enhance brass teaching and learning within the pioneering Musical Arts Programme which is now over 40 years old.

His role offers students such a wonderful addition to their studies, projecting the University to the forefront of brass teaching in the world."

Glenn has taken over the role from tenor horn star Owen Farr and is looking forward to expanding the teaching of euphonium and low brass within the Masters programme which now boasts over 50 students.

Great environment

In response the Geneva Instruments artist said: "I'm really looking forward to starting to work with the Masters students at the University. I've visited there a couple of times now as part of my DMA course and it really is a great environment to go and study.

The faculty is understandably very proud of its impressive brass history and I am very happy to be a part of it!"

I'm really looking forward to starting to work with the Masters students at the University. I've visited there a couple of times now as part of my DMA course and it really is a great environment to go and studyGlenn Van Looy

Awards evening

The University will also be celebrating the achievements of its current crop of students, with its annual awards taking place this evening (Wednesday 13th June).

The prestigious Roy Newsome Conducting Prize will be presented to the talented third year student Robert Yates , whilst the Iwan Williams Performance Award has been won by Emily Kennedy with the runner-up announced as Dan Sargeant.

Tuba player Janie Matley will be presented with the prize for gaining the highest marks for a brass instrumentalist.