Besson artist Patricio Cosentino has just returned from a remarkable short tour to Mexico and Columbia as he continues to be inspired to develop the fledgling brass band movements in the countries.

Columbia and Mexico

Patricio who is based in Jena, Germany first headed to Columbia where he led a number of masterclasses at the Music Department of the National University of Colombia.

There he was joined by renowned Prof. Lucas Fernandez, lecturer in euphonium and chamber music, as well as Prof. Fredy Romero Nieto, lecturer in tuba and the principal tuba of the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra.

First time

The masterclasses saw 16 enthusiastic euphonium and tuba students, as well as members of the University's brass band made up of 40 students take part — the first time the University had presented a course focusing on the music and understanding of traditional English brass banding.

Under the leadership of Patricio, the Colombian students were able to learn about standard repertoire in the brass band world as well performance techniques and etiquette.

The course was so well received that he will now return to Colombia, as well as Peru in 2020, with the support of Besson.

Mexican festival

Meanwhile, in Mexico (above), Patricio was part of the tutoring and performing staff of the 7th Festival de Musica Viento de la Montana in Texcoco.

The event focuses on woodwind, brass and percussion musicians and attracts an international staff of tutors from Germany, Spain, Argentina, France and Mexico.

35 tuba and euphonium participants, including students and professional players enjoyed the festival with masterclasses throughout the day and concerts every evening.

Patricio formed part of the adjudication panel for the festival's wind band competition and also performed a recital for 300 enthusiastic audience members.

The interest in the British Brass band culture is thriving in South America with more students becoming involved in courses such as this Patricio Cosentino

Incredible experience

Speaking exclusively to 4BR about his tour he told 4BR: "For me it is always an incredible experience to work with Latin American euphonium and tuba players and also a very special feeling to work with so many wonderful students.

The development of the euphonium and the tuba in Latin America is very exciting to see with an incredible passion to learn and develop by engaging with other musical forms."

He added: "The interest in the British Brass band culture is thriving in South America with more students becoming involved in courses such as this. The players love the tuba and euphonium instruments for their flexibility and sound. To see and hear so many players enjoying playing is so uplifting."