Star trombone soloist Stephen Sykes has won first prize in the prestigious Don Lusher Solo Competition held on the weekend in Birmingham.

Finalists

Stephen is currently a first year BMus student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and plays solo trombone with current Welsh Area Champion, Tredegar.

Four finalists were selected from recordings submitted by contestants from across the UK and performed live with a jazz rhythm section.

Stephen will receive his prize in London later this month when he will appear as a soloist with the Ted Heath Band4BR

Ted Heath

The first prize is a professional Yamaha Xeno trombone and the Don Lusher Trophy, presented by Don's widow, Diana. Stephen will receive his prize in London later this month when he will appear as a soloist with the Ted Heath Band.

In 2009 Stephen became the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year and performed as soloist with both Brighouse & Rastrick and Black Dyke bands. He has also performed as soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra on Radio 2 ‘Friday Night is Music Night’.