Euphonium Besson Artist and Clinician Matthew van Emmerik has clocked up some serious air miles in recent weeks with performances and rehearsals in Hobart, Tasmania with Dean Hunt and the Glenorchy Band in preperation for their State Championships in coming weeks.

From Tasmania to Perth

From his travels in Tasmania he flew direct to Perth for weeklong preparations with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) and Chief Conductor Paul Daniel, in performances of British composer Mark Anthony Turnage’s composition, which features euphonium, called 'Ceres'.

Matthew is pictured here with WASO (West Australian Symphony Orchestra) Low Brass section — Cameron Brook, Matthew van Emmerik, Phil Holdsworth, Bruce Thompson and Josh Davis.

Matt also had a chance to attend and catch up with friends at a rehearsal with WA Brass (formerly Midland Brick Band).

The past few weeks have been very busy and exciting, and to be able to play one week with brass band and the other with a full symphony orchestra is amazing.Matthew van Emmerik

On speaking with 4barsrest Matthew commented: "The past few weeks have been very busy and exciting, and to be able to play one week with brass band and the other with a full symphony orchestra is amazing."

"It’s been great to catch up with friends and colleagues all around the country, especially The WASO’s principal trombone and great friend Josh Davis. Its one of those things for me, if there is an opportunity to play with a band and especially orchestra you just don’t knock it back. I was fortunate enough to play 'Ceres' with The Oporto National Orchestra and Tubist Sergio Carolino in January this year, so its great to get another opportunity to play this wonderful work here in Australia."

Back to Melbourne

The travels don’t stop there, with performances last weekend in Melbourne at the Melbourne International Festival of Brass (MIFB) with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s ‘Star Brass Ensemble’ and other artists.

Whilst in Melbourne, Matt will also get some much needed rehearsal time with The Footscray Yarraville Band, who he is guesting with at the upcoming FABB contest at Tweed Heads later this month.