The BBC Young Brass Musician of the Year, Stephen Sykes added yet another major title to his CV on the weekend when he became the Lions UK Trombone Champion at Birmingham Conservatoire.

Culmination

The competition, which was the culmination of the British phase of the Lions European Music Competition, had representation from all parts of the UK.

Outstanding

Adjudicators Bob Hughes, David Purser and Neil Samuel praised Stephen for his outstanding playing in his chosen pieces 'Ballade' by Eugene Bozza and 'Aria and Polonaise' by Jongen.

Stephen will now perform as the UK representative in Tampere, Finland in the European final in September.

Adjudicators Bob Hughes, David Purser and Neil Samuel praised Stephen for his outstanding playing in his chosen pieces 'Ballade' by Eugene Bozza and 'Aria and Polonaise' by Jongen4BR

Bath winner

A few days earlier Stephen won the Concerto Class at the Bath Music Festival – one of the most prestigious festivals in the music calendar.

In the final, Stephen was competing against the concerto finalists from both the string and piano sections and became the first brass player to win the concerto final since the competition began in 1922.

Busy time

This is a busy time for Stephen as he will be playing with the Cory in their bid to retain their European title in Ostend next month and has added yet more solo competition awards to his growing CV of success.