4BR has been informed that principal cornet Kathleen Gaspoz and solo euphonium Philippe Schwartz have resigned from Grimethorpe Colliery Band with immediate effect. The pair joined the band in September this year.

Decision

Speaking exclusively to 4BR the couple outlined the reasons for their decision.

"Having been a member of Grimethorpe for over eight years in total, it's with great regret that I've taken the decision to step down from my role,"Philippe said.

"Some internal differences over the last couple of weeks led to Kathleen and I coming to the conclusion that we did not agree with the musical direction that the band is taking at the present time."

Impossible

Kathleen added: "This is a decision that we felt we have had to make. It would have been impossible to carry on playing with the band.

We are now looking forward to a very exciting first half of 2019 with masterclasses, adjudicating and guest solo appearances in Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, France, the USA and the UK. I'm particularly excited about our upcoming performances as a duet next year in Italy, Belgium, France and Switzerland."

Some internal differences over the last couple of weeks led to Kathleen and I coming to the conclusion that we did not agree with the musical direction that the band is taking at the present timePhilippe Schwartz

New avenues

Philippe added: "The response to my recent orchestral performance has opened a number of new avenues for me, with the opportunity to work in different musical spheres.

We both really enjoyed our short stint with Grimethorpe and we would like to thank the band for the opportunity given to us. We wish the band every success for their future endeavours."