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).