The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have announced that trumpet star Mike Lovatt is to present a masterclass on the Saturday of this year's event at Sage Gateshead.
BiC Chairman John Woods told 4BR:"We're delighted to announce that our annual Brass in Concert Masterclass will be hosted by Mike Lovatt, who is widely regarded as one of the world's most versatile and gifted trumpeters.
Mike has performed with leading artists ranging from Quincy Jones to Tom Jones, his list of West End show and film credits is extensive and he is also the top trumpet of the hugely-popular John Wilson Orchestra.
No wonder we are thrilled that he will now also feature with newly crowned National Champions Foden's in this year's World of Brass in Concert, entitled, 'Sinatra and the Swing Legends'."
Free masterclass
This Masterclass will be held in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall at 4.00pm on Saturday 17th November. Admission is free, although patrons are advised to be there early as numbers are limited.
Change to adjudication team
The Brass in Concert organisers have also announced a revision to the line-up of adjudicators for the 42nd Festival, which will be held at Sage Gateshead on Sunday 18th November.
Rieks van der Velde, who has established a reputation as one of the leading conductors in The Netherlands over many years, will now join Quality of Performance judge Nick Grace, replacing Roger Argente who has withdrawn.
The confirmed adjudication panel is:
Quality of Performance: Nick Grace and Rieks van der Velde
Programme Content: Chris King
Entertainment and Presentation: Jeremy Wise and Terry Carter
Soloists: Owen Farr
Warm welcome
John Woods continued: "Roger felt that he needed to step aside due to a potential conflict of interest, but we are pleased that he will form part of our Youth Brass in Concert Championships judging panel in 2019.
It will be a pleasure to welcome Rieks van der Velde, such an experienced conductor, composer, arranger and jury member at national and international competitions, who completes a very talented and experienced panel for this year's Brass in Concert Championships."
John added: "In addition to the Gala Concert and contest, we have a series of events including elementary workshops, taster sessions and a performance by Manger Musikklag from Norway.
Tickets are selling fast, so we urge anyone hoping to attend in November to avoid any disappointment by contacting the Ticket Office or logging on to Sage Gateshead website very soon."
This Masterclass will be held in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall at 4.00pm on Saturday 17th November. Admission is free, although patrons are advised to be there earlyBrass in Concert
Book tickets
Tickets for Youth Brass in Concert on Saturday 17th November priced £10.00 and £5 (concessions).
Tickets for World of Brass in Concert on the evening of Saturday 17th November featuring Foden's and Matt Ford are £27.00, £18.00 and £10.00
Tickets for the Brass in Concert Championship on Sunday 18th November are £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00.
Booking fees will apply.
Please contact: Sage Gateshead Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661 or online at www.sagegateshead.com