BBC Radio 2 has launched the search for exciting playing talent in their new Young Brass Award 2014.

The nationwide search was announced recently on the Chris Evans Breakfast show by ‘Listen to the Band’ presenter Frank Renton.

Talented musicians

The station is looking for talented musicians aged between 16 and 21 who can rise to the challenge of performing and broadcasting with established performing groups.

Up to eight performers will be selected from the original field of entrants to go through to the semi-final where they will perform with the Foden’s Band.

Four finalists will then be selected to play for the title in March 2014.

Bruce host

Presenter Ken Bruce will host the final live from the BBC’s studios in Salford where he will be joined by Frank Renton who will conduct Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

They will accompany the finalists as they perform in front of a panel of expert judges.

Exciting event

Ken Bruce is certainly looking forward to the exciting event. "It’s an honour to be hosting BBC Radio 2’s Young Brass Award," he said. "It is so important to support and nurture young musical talent and I’m proud the station gives these emerging stars the chance to shine and be heard."

The Young Brass award was originally launched as the Young Brass Soloist Award in 2004 and since then has gained a strong track record for spotting emerging talent.

Previous winners

Previous winners include Stephen Sykes, now a highly successful freelance trombonist, Ben Thomson, who went on to become principal tuba at the Royal Opera House, Lewis Musson, currently solo euphonium with the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, baritone star Katrina Marzella now with Black Dyke and Matthew White, solo euphonium with the Cory Band.

It’s wonderful that yet again Radio 2 is searching out the best young brass players in the UK and providing a stage for themFrank Renton

Wonderful

Frank Renton added: "It’s wonderful that yet again Radio 2 is searching out the best young brass players in the UK and providing a stage for them.

Every past winner has gone on to do great things in their chosen careers, and no doubt taking part in the Radio 2 Young Brass Awards has given a great impetus to their futures. It’s a joy to be involved."

Further details

All the details of the award and how to apply can be found on the BBC Radio 2 homepage at bbc.co.uk/radio2

or via the Listen to the Band programme page or at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/youngbrassaward