Four talented young players will enjoy an invaluable performing experience as part of the annual Besson Horizons international music exchange programme.
The ethos is to increase understanding and widen opportunity through music by enabling musicians to experience different musical traditions, develop their performance skills and build lasting international friendships.
British and Swiss
It brings together musicians from the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland (NJBB) and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB), and has seen NYBBGB musicians Stephanie Jonas (cornet) and Matthew Hurst (baritone) head to Switzerland this week for their Swiss counterpart's summer course and concert performances in Huttwil.
Cornet and baritone
Stephanie is from North Wales and has been a member of the NYGBBGB for four years. She holds the rare distinction of being principal cornet of the National Youth Bands of Wales, Great Britain and now of Switzerland. Stephanie is currently studying music at the University of Oxford.
Matthew is from East Lancashire and has already gained experience as player with the likes of Lostock Hall and more latterly Rainford Band. He has been a member of the NYBBGB on eight courses and received the Jon Tinker Baritone Shield in 2024 and Maud Wright Award in 2025 for leadership and service. He is currently studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester.
Active exchange
Now in its 51st year, the NJBB brings together talented youngsters from all parts of Switzerland. Stephanie has been appointed Principal Cornet of the NJBB A Band, whilst Matthew will play baritone. Both have played an active role throughout the week's rehearsals, working alongside more than 100 performers.
The exchange continues in August, when NJBB musicians Orianne Moren (flugel) and Tobias Ruedi (percussion) travel to the UK to join the NYBBGB summer course at Taunton School and perform with them at its summer concert at The Forum, Bath, on Saturday 8th August.
We would like to thank Besson Brass for its continued support of this valuable international exchange programme and its commitment to inspiring the next generation of brass musiciansNYBBGB
Thanks
A NYBBGB spokesperson told 4BR: "We would like to thank Besson Brass for its continued support of this valuable international exchange programme and its commitment to inspiring the next generation of brass musicians."
