York euphonium artist David Childs was recently awarded the 'Best Soloist' prize at the 'Brass In Concert' Championships held at the Sage Gateshead.

Phenomenal performance

Up against other top soloists including Les Neish, Katrina Marzella and Mike Howley, David took the honours with a phenomenal performance of Paul Nero's 'The Hot Canary'.

David commented; "Obviously I was delighted to receive the 'Best Soloist Award'. Anything Richard Marshall has won three times is definitely worth winning! In all honesty I wasn't sure whether 'The Hot Canary' would find favour with the adjudicators, but to my surprise they seemed to enjoy it!"

Obviously I was delighted to receive the 'Best Soloist Award'. Anything Richard Marshall has won three times is definitely worth winning!David Childs

Natural performer

Brass in Concert's adjudicating panel included David King, Stephen Roberts, Andrew Berryman, David Horsefield and Ian Bousfield.

Bousfield, a world renowned soloist and principal trombonist with the Vienna Philharmonic described David's performance as a "great presentation" with "Real poise". He also went on to compliment David in his written adjudication by writing, "You are of course, a natural performer."

Professor David King used significantly less words and simply wrote; "Classy.... Say no more!!"

Genuine idol

Speaking to Anika Deinert of York Musical Instruments, David continued; "It was lovely to read what the adjudicators thought. I grew up listening to CD recordings of Ian Bousfield — he was a genuine idol of mine, so to be given this award by him in particular meant a great deal to me.

"I'm lucky to have won solo awards with Cory in the past, but I've never really felt like celebrating unless the band has won, so I was over the moon when Cory were announced as Brass in Concert Champions!"

Great position

Cory, who are also current European Champions are the first band outside England to win the prestigious 'Brass in Concert' Championships and in doing so top the 4barsrest money list and finish 2008 for the second consecutive year ranked Number 1 in the world.

In conclusion, David commented; "I know Cory were delighted with the result and all it means for the band. We now head into our 125th anniversary year in a great position and hope to continue enjoying ourselves in all that we do."