Tredegar welcomed their latest star signing to their bandroom as they prepare for their National Championship challenge at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.

Following on the heels of BBC Young Musician winner Jordan Ashman, the Welsh contender has signed Belgian euphonium star Glenn Van Looy, with the player flying in from his home in Switzerland to meet up with MD Ian Porthouse and the band last night.

Thrilled

"We're thrilled to welcome Glenn, and it's so good to link up again,"Ian said. "We have enjoyed a great musical relationship with him, including accompanying him on his brilliant solo CD, 'Stepping Out', so it's great to see him back in Wales and with us."

Glenn recently picked up the baton to lead the cooperation band to seventh place at the t British Open in Birmingham, but he is really looking forward to playing at the Royal Albert Hall.

Fantastic band

"It's a fantastic contest and it's great to be able to play there with such a fantastic band and great friends,"he said. "Tredegar has a brilliant musical outlook and my fellow Valaisia euphonium player Valantin Duc enjoyed himself so much with them at the British Open."

Whilst he is here Glenn will also be working with students at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire later today in a series of masterclasses. "I'm looking forward to that. Ian has told me that they are all eager to impress!"