Wilkinson takes youth lead in Sweden

Conductor Lewis Wilkinson has been enjoying working with Solna Brass ahead of their 'Salute to Youth' appearance at the Swedish National Championships.

Lewis Wilkinson worked with Solna Brass Band over an enjoyable weekend.

Thursday, 17 October 2019

Following his move to south Wales to study for a Masters Degree in conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama under the guidance of Dr Robert Childs, Lewis Wilkinson has found himself in demand.

Not only has been appointed Resident Conductor at Filton Concert Brass and Musical Director at Parc & Dare, he has just returned from a trip to Sweden where he has been working with Solna Brass as they prepare for their National Championships next month.

Preparations

Solna is looking to regain the title they last won in 2016 and had planned a long rehearsal weekend as part of their preparations.

Band Chairman HÃ¥kan WikenstÃ¥l told 4BR that they are always keen to work with rising stars who can offer a fresh perspective on their playing, and Lewis came to them with impressive recommendations.

"It is an approach that we like to use as it brings a different musical view to our rehearsals and work. Lewis is highly regarded and in working with someone such as Dr Robert Childs in Cardiff we were delighted when he accepted our invitation.

Klara Blomgren, who is studying flugel horn at the RWCMD and has played with both Filton and Tredegar also recommended Lewis after attending rehearsals under him. She was right — and Lewis worked so well with us. We do hope he will return again to us."

Bonus

Lewis flew in and worked from Thursday evening to Sunday with the band on 'Salute to Youth' by Gilbert Vinter.

He told 4BR: "I was thrilled to be invited. I really love 'Salute to Youth' so it was a bonus that the band were working on it in preparation for the National Championship.

I didn't know too much about the history of the band before I went, but now I do, and I'm sure they have a fantastic future too — hopefully starting at those National Championships."

I had a wonderful time with wonderful people who made me feel at home from the first note and it was good to meet Lars Lerne, the founder of the band who has such passion for brass bandsLewis Wilkinson.

New fan

He added: "I had a wonderful time with wonderful people who made me feel at home from the first note and it was good to meet Lars Lerne, the founder of the band who has such passion for brass bands.

I would love to return again — and they certainly have an enthusiastic new fan!"

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