Ben Thomson, the former Radio 2 Young Brass Musician of the Year is enjoying some warm months of music making at present.

Startling

Ben, who made such an impression on the banding world with his startling tuba exploits, is currently playing with the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra at their home base of Santa Cruz on the popular holiday island.

Succesful freelancer

He has been forging a very successful freelance career for himself over the last few years and recently spent an extended period playing with the Australian Opera and Ballet Company based at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Since then he has travelled extensively and now finds himself enjoying the start of the Symphonic Season in Tenerife.

It's certainly exciting and enjoyable, with plenty of rehearsals, and we even we have a concert on Christmas DayBen Thomson

Manchester return

However, he will be hopping back on a plane in the next 24 hours to return to the UK for a short stop to perform as part of the prestigious Bridgewater Hall Midday Concert Series on Wednesday 3rd December.

Appearance

The whistle stop appearance will see him join joined by Manchester favourite Jonathan Scott and friends for a varied taste of tuba virtuosity and lyricism. The centrepiece is Vaughan Williams’ pioneering concerto, as well as a world premiere of Rodney Newton’s ‘Mandala’, for tuba and six trumpets and Andy Scott’s haunting work, ‘My Mountain Top’ which includes a backing track with the evocative poetry and voice of Lemn Sissay.

Symphonic Season

"The weather is great here at the moment," Ben told 4BR as he enjoyed the last rays of sunshine before the trip back to wintery Manchester. "I’m here for 3 months and after just finishing the Opera Season with the orchestra we have just started the Symphonic Season with a performance of Mahler 3."

Future career

Ben’s burgeoning freelance career appeals to a young performer who sees his future very much in the orchestral world. "I’m really enjoying myself at the moment. I have been fortunate to play with some superb orchestras, and the forthcoming season will see the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra visit Tenerife. It’s certainly exciting and enjoyable, with plenty of rehearsals, and we even we have a concert on Christmas Day."

Brass bands

Ben keeps in touch with the banding world through 4BR and hopes to continue his links in the future in some capacity. "I love brass bands and hope to be able to play with some in the future. I even had three offers to play at Brass in Concert, so I haven’t been forgotten."

Certainly not, so get along to hear one of the best young tuba players in Europe if you can before he jets off again for the warm weather of Tenerife.