Black Dyke Band Director of Music, Prof. Nicholas Childs has just returned from Senzoku Gakuen College in Japan where he was invited to lead the 61st 'British Brass Concert' inspired by Prof Emeritus, Takeo Yamamoto.

Pines of Rome

The event was held at Tokyo's majestic Maeda Hall which was packed with brass band fans who enjoyed a wide-ranging programme that included Peter Graham's 'Shine as the Light', and Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Above and Beyond', as well as Respighi's suite 'Pines of Rome' with 150 musicians, off stage trumpets, trombones and organ, piano, celeste and harps.

Honour

Speaking to 4BR about the visit, Senzoku's Brass Band Director, Masanori Fukuda said: "It was an honour to invite the college's visiting Professor once again, and the Respighi was truly inspirational for the young musicians."

He added: "It was such a positive for us all that Prof Childs was part of this event and was able to speak to us about his band and the opportunities that there are for brass band students at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester."

Legendary figure

In response, the Black Dyke Director of Music said: "It was a huge honour to be invited to return to this magnificent event and to share the podium with the legendary figure of Prof. Emeritus Takeo Yamamoto."