Despite not being able to attend the European Championships in Palanga this year, the Italian Brass Band from Rome continues to work towards expanding its musical influence in its home country.

Its latest project saw them host a two-day masterclass for young brass banding conductors and composers at the L. Refice Music Conservatoire in Frosinone south east of the capital city.

Composers and conductors

Under the guidance of Antonia Sarcina, Professor of Instrumentation & Conducting for Wind Orchestra at the conservatoire, and the band's Muscal Director Giuseppe Saggio, the young students conducted established works for the medium as well as new compositions written for the event.

These included works such as 'Carrickfergus', 'The Holy Well', 'Marcho Brioso', 'Gaelforce' and 'Lord Tullamore'. The centrepiece was a performance masterclass and analysis led by the band and Giuseppe Saggio on Thierry Deleruyelle's major work, 'Fraternity', whilst the two days were rounded off with a concert in which all the students performed.

Talent and commitment

Speaking to 4BR, Band spokesperson Giovanni Celestino said: "This was the wonderful conclusion to a memorable event. Our thanks go to enthusiasm, talent and commitment of the students.

These included the conductors Lorenzo Zei, Simone Sangiacomo, Massimiliano Tommasoni, Matteo Di Prospero and Stefano Santucci, as well as the featured composers Matteo D'Agostino with his work, 'Variations on a Chinese Folk Song', and Massimiliano Tommasoni with his piece, 'March Fantasy'.

The event showed that brass band music making is increasing in popularity and understanding, and that the Italian Brass Band is at the forefront of leading thatItalian Brass Band

Best foundations

He added: "The event showed that brass band music making is increasing in popularity and understanding, and that the Italian Brass Band is at the forefront of leading that.

People may say 'Rome wasn't built in a day', but so too the wider Italian brass band movement. We are though building the very best foundations for an exciting future."