*
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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd