Besson has welcomed the signing of Whitburn principal cornet Chris Bradley to their stable of UK Artists.

The former RSAMD graduate has long been regarded as one of UK banding's most respected cornet players, having held the role of principal cornet with the multiple Scottish champion since 2004.

Experience

With a wide musical background of professional orchestral and ensemble experience following his studies at the National Centre for Orchestral Studies in London where he was the winner of the coveted Governors Recital Prize for Brass, he has since enjoyed a successful career as a freelance performer and as a Brass Instructor for South Lanarkshire Council.

His CV also includes winning the coveted Terris Medal at the Scottish Championships on six occasions as well as many other solo awards, whilst he has also enjoyed being principal cornet of the groundbreaking Tubular Brass ensemble.

As a conductor he has successfully led a number of bands in Scotland, and is currently MD at Kirkintilloch Kelvin Band. His adjudication experience is much sought after and he is a member of the Scottish Concert Band Festival adjudication team.

Download release

In 2018 he released his debut CD — one that will be followed in the next few weeks by a download release of his acclaimed 'lockdown' solo performance, entitled, 'Silver Lining'.

A Besson spokesperson told 4BR: "We are thrilled to officially welcome Chris to Besson, although we were delighted to known that he has played on our instruments throughout his career.

He is rightly regarded as one of the very best cornet players in the UK, whilst his musical outlook, especially in reaching out to connect with a new audience during the lockdown period has been inspirational."

Honoured

In response, Chris said: "I'm honoured to be named as a Besson artist. I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the Besson family to promote what I've always believed is a top quality brand through my playing as a soloist, principal cornet of Whitburn and in my other musical roles."