Baritone superstar Katrina Marzella has told 4BR of here delight in making a bit of brass band histry by retaining the Ern Keller International solo title.

"I was delighted to retain the Ern Keller title, especially with the impressive standard of playing this year. It really was a tough field and I must congratulate the other competitors who put great performances throughout the day. The camaraderie at the event is super – anyone who was at the pre-contest dinner on Saturday night will vouch for that!"

Record

Katrina added: "I’ve been told by some of the competition’s life-long supporters that only one other player – Christina Bowden – has managed to achieve two consecutive wins in the history of the event. I’m thrilled to have my name on the huge Ern Keller Memorial Wall once again."

...only one other player – Christina Bowden – has managed to achieve two consecutive wins in the history of the event. I’m thrilled to have my name on the huge Ern Keller Memorial Wall againKatrina

Great response

Katrina was also thrilled by the response her chosen work had with an appreciative audience: "I was also really pleased with the response to the piece I performed, 'Concerto for Baritone and Band' by Andrew Duncan.

Andy wrote this piece for me a few years ago and we are hoping to record it together some time in the future. It’s a fantastic work and I would like to hope that this may encourage some other baritone players to check out this concerto."

Thanks

Despite the victory Katrina was quick to thank all those involved in making it possiboe for her to fly around the world to defend here title: "Naturally, I would like to give special thanks to Tameside MBC for sponsoring the flights to Australia – without its support, the trip would not have been possible.

I’d also like to thank Ken Bradley and St Mary’s Band Club for being excellent hosts during the competition weekend and congratulate them on organising another fantastic event."

Lovely time

With the win safely in the bag it was more important things that now crossed here mind! "As always, I had a lovely time in Australia and was lucky enough visit Cairns, Cooktown and Sydney, as well as stopping in Toyko for a night on the way home. It’s good to be back though and I’m thoroughly enjoying working on 'Festival Music' with Leyland Band and its new MD Jason Katsikaris for the North West area next week."