Cornet legend Philip McCann has just returned from a wonderful musical trip to Belgium, where he teamed up with one of the country’s leading brass teachers.

Guest

Philip was the guest of Brassband Haspengouw, whose conductor, Leon Petre is considered to be one of the nation’s finest brass teachers.

Philip performed with the band at the beautiful Opera Theatre in the lovely town of St. Truiden, as well as presenting a masterclass in the nearby Music Academy in Tienen.

This was all about the spirit of brass banding. Philip showed us the beauty of the cornet as a solo voice in fantastic performancesLocal musician

Wonderful trip

Philip told 4BR: "It really was wonderful trip. The concert was a great success, especially as the musical emphasis for my visit with Leon was to showcase what the Belgian’s believe is the traditional sound of the cornet.

The standing ovation I received at the concert and the reception I got at the end of my masterclass really showed that there is a desire to maintain the traditional sound of the cornet."

Spirit of banding

One local musician told 4BR: "This was all about the spirit of brass banding. Philip showed us the beauty of the cornet as a solo voice in fantastic performances. It has given us all a real desire to improve. Philip was a superb teacher and soloist."