Desford Colliery Band is set to embark on its annual tour to South East Asia.

Jetting off

The Midlands Area champion will descend upon Singapore as a guest artist of the burgeoning Brass Explosion Festival before jetting off to Thailand for some educational concerts and sightseeing.

Desford Band will play several concerts during its tour, culminating in a performance the Gala Concert at Yong Siew Tow Conservatory of Music on June 4th.

The lucky band members will be based in the palatial Marina Bay Sands Hotel, venue sponsor of the Festival, where they will perform a relaxed family concert.

Gourlay, Mead, Marzella and Morrison

The band, under the baton of James Gourlay, will also team up with the great James Morrison, euphonium legend Steven Mead and Baritone star Katrina Marzella at the festival’s Gala Concert.

The Brass Explosion Festival is the brain child of David Smith, a long-standing member of Desford, who now resides in Singapore where he plays principal trumpet with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

Following

David told 4BR: "We are now in our third year and it looks set to be the biggest and best yet! I’m delighted that Desford can return to the festival. They have a substantial following here in Asia. I’m looking forward to the Festival getting underway."

We are now in our third year and it looks set to be the biggest and best yet! I’m delighted that Desford can return to the festival. They have a substantial following here in AsiaDavid Smith

Masterclasses

The Festival also includes a Pan Asian Competition for young brass players in the region, as well as several masterclasses lead by various star soloists.

Several jazz groups and musicians, including the internationally renowned Bossa Negra, will be on site to provide the late night entertainment.

The Festival commences on Friday 1 June 2012 at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.