*
banner

Japanese trip success to a T for Richeton

Benjamin Richeton recently enjoyed his trip to Tokyo where he conducted the renowned trombone soloist Yu Tamaki in the Japanese brass band premiere of Johan de Meij's 'T-Bone Concerto'.

Richeton
  All smiles from Benjamin Richeton and Yu Tamaki

Benjamin Richeton recently travelled to Japan to accept an invitation to conduct the Tokyo based 'A Brass Emotion' Band.

Established in 2016 this was the band's third annual concert — one that showcased the outstanding progress they have made.

Concerto premiere

The centre-piece was the Japanese brass band premiere of Johan de Meij's imposing 'T-Bone' Concerto performed by guest soloist Yu Tamaki, the renowned trombonist who has performed with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra.

The band also performed the march 'Arnhem', Kenneth Hesketh's 'Masque', 'Hymn to the Fallen', 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Call of the Cossacks'. The packed audience was also thrilled when Yu Tamaki joined the trombonist of the band for an encore of 'I Will Follow Him'.

Communal feeling

Speaking about the visit, Benjamin told 4BR: "The band has progress so much in the last three years and there is a great communal feeling about the whole organisation.

I would say they would comfortably compete towards the top end of the First Section in the UK — and they are getting better and better. They are eager to learn and very receptive, they made it so easy."

He added: "In fact the hardest part for me was introducing the pieces to the audience in Japanese! Yu Tamaki did a stunning job on a fiendishly difficult concerto and was an incredible source of inspiration to the rest of the band.

I had a fantastic time with wonderful people and I hope this won't be the last time I visit them."

First encounter

Talking about the concerto performance, Yu Tamaki added: "In January 2018 I moved away from orchestras to focus on my solo career, so I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to perform such a great concerto with the band.

Performing with 'A Brass Emotion' was my first encounter with the world of brass bands, and what an eye-opening experience it was! I am hoping for continuous involvement in this wonderful new world!"

I had a fantastic time with wonderful people and I hope this won't be the last time I visit themBenjamin Richeton

Success

Reflecting on the visit of Benjamin and on the success of the event, Band Manager Ayaka Abe added: "Our third annual concert was a great success.

Yu Tamaki is a lovely person who has won the Japan Wind and Percussion Competition. I was pleased he chose T-Bone Concerto, and he gave a superb performance.

Benjamin was a wonderful conductor and brought out the very best out of the band. We look forward to a long partnership with Benjamin for future concerts and projects."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd