The first major award of the 2014 European Festival of Brass has been decided at Perth Concert Hall, as trombonist Vidar Nordli (centre) has been crowned the 6th European Soloist Champion.

First Prize

The Norwegian, who will be joining the Eikanger Bjorsvik Band in June after deciding to take a year off from his army music career based in Oslo, claimed the 3,000 Euro first prize with his outstanding performance of the Derek Bourgeois 'Trombone Concerto'.

Scottish tuba player Ross Knight claimed second place and 2,000 Euro after his fine rendition of Peter Meechan's 'Shine', with euphonium player Philippe Schwartz, representing Luxembourg, taking third and 1,000 Euro for his excellent performance of Kenneth Downie's, 'Euphonium Concerto'.

Encouraging opening

The event provided the Scottish Brass Association with a highly encouraging opening to their hosting of the Championships, with the supportive audience enjoying Kirkintilloch Band under the direction of Raymond Tennant providing solid accompanying support, and the European Youth Band displaying their talents under Russell Gray.

The audience also voted for the talented Norwegian as their 'Audience Choice' winner — to be in agreement with the official judges, Allan Morrison, Frode Amundsen, Simone Rebello and Kasper Thaarup.

They revealed that they were also very impressed by the overall standard of playing they had enjoyed both on the night and during the preliminary rounds held earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, the young players of the European Youth Band voted for Ross Knight as their 'Band Choice' winner, as well as showing their talents in full with an enjoyable short programme of pre-results music led by their MD, resplendent in his kilt.

Pride

Speaking to 4BR after the announcement of the results, all three finalists expressed their delight at being able to compete in the event, and the pride they had in representing their countries.

"I'm very happy, but also very proud to have been able to win this award," Vidar Nordli modestly said.

"There has been some great performances from all the players who took part this week — especially Ross and Philippe in the final."

Ross, who will finish his music degree in London in two months time before adding a further year of performance to his studies, agreed. "This has been a great opportunity for me and the standard of playing has been brilliant. Vidar and Philippe were outstanding this evening."

Reputations

Meanwhile, Philippe, who also plays with Grimethorpe Colliery Band hoped that other leading brass and percussion players will be encouraged to out their reputations on the line at the event in future years.

"I played in the contest six years ago and wanted to try again. It such a great event to take part in. It would be great if more top brass band players took the chance to out their reputations on the line."

I'm very happy, but also very proud to have been able to win this award2014 winner, Vidar Nordli

Result:

1. Vidar Nordli (Norway) — Trombone
2. Ross Knight (Scotland) — Tuba
3. Philippe Schwartz (Luxembourg) — Euphonium