*
banner

BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist 2009

Semi Finalists announced by BBC for their showcase solo competition.

radio 2
 

The Semi Finals of BBC Radio 2’s 'Young Brass Soloist 2009' will take place on Sunday 8th February followed by the final on Saturday 21st February.

Sixth year

The nationwide competition is now entering its sixth year with a growing reputation for promoting and encouraging young talented brass players.

Competitors

The eight semi finalists are:

Trombonist Stephen Sykes, aged 17 from Somerset
Flugel horn player David Moore, aged 19 from Stalybridge
Euphonium player Mathew White, aged 18 from Lancashire
Trumpeter Mark Harrison, aged 19 from Manchester
French horn player Lauren Reeve-Rawlings, aged 17 from Wiltshire
Trumpet and cornet player Tristan Button, aged 19 from Hampshire
Trumpeter Nathan Richards, aged 19 from London
Soprano cornetist Melanie Whyle, aged 19 from Manchester

All 8 young performers choose their own music with the winning four players, announced on the night, going on to the finals on February 21st4BR

Invited audience

The semi finals take place before an invited audience at the BBC in Manchester on Sunday 8th February, where all soloists will be accompanied by the Brighouse and Rastrick Band.

Listen to the Band

The evening will be hosted by Frank Renton who will feature highlights of the event in his 'Listen to the Band' programme on Friday February 13th and Friday February 20th.

All 8 young performers choose their own music with the winning four players, announced on the night, going on to the finals on February 21st.

Winning prize

Held at The Royal Northern College of Music Manchester the prizes for the eventual winner include an invitation to perform alongside a championship standard band with a guaranteed broadcast on Radio 2 and an appearance on the Network’s flagship live music programme 'Friday Night is Music Night'.

Tickets

Free tickets for the Semi Finals are available from the Radio 2 helpline on 03700 100200 or the radio 2 website www.bbc.co.uk/radio 2 from Saturday 17th January and free tickets for the final are available from Royal Northern College of Music Box Office on 0161 907 5555 (maximum six per person).

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Cheltenham

Runners and riders confirmed for Cheltenham

September 10 • The official list of competing bands and their conductors for the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals has been released by Kapitol Promotions.


Linz

European Soloist Competition open for entries

September 10 • If you want to be crowned the 10th European Solo Champion then you need to submit a video entry to be considered for the trip to Linz in 2026.


Youth Champs

Registration now open for Youth Championships

September 10 • If you are a band or ensemble wishing to take part in a fantastic day of music making in Birmingham next year, then sign up now.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd