Bone-afide, an emerging chamber ensemble made up of some of the UK's leading young trombonists is hoping to travel to Japan in July to take part in the prestigious Osaka International Trombone Festival Quartet Competition.

Friends

The group is made up of friends, Isobel Daws, Chris Brewster, Merin Rhyd and Angus Butt, all of whom are studying in London, and aims to showcase the versatility of the trombone, performing works from all genres and periods, defying any stereotypes surrounding the instrument along the way.

The members are also gaining widespread acclaim in their emerging musical careers, having started out in various National Youth and the European Union Youth Orchestras. They now regularly appear on the professional circuit with the likes of the London Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, RTE and RTE Concert Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonica de Galicia.

Until we know otherwise the focus is to get to Osaka and to compete against some of the world's best trombone quartetsBone-afide

Top priority

The ensemble was selected to compete in the Osaka event just three months after being formed, with spokesperson Merin Rhyd telling 4BR that despite the Coronavirus pandemic they have been told that the event is still on — so fundraising to get there is now the top priority.

"Until we know otherwise the focus is to get to Osaka and to compete against some of the world's best trombone quartets. It's such an exciting competition and a great opportunity to test ourselves.

Hopefully it will go ahead and so we need to raise the funds to get there. If anyone can help then we will be immensely grateful."For further information go to: https://www.facebook.com/boneafidetrombones/