Yamaha have marked the completion of their ‘Neo’ brass range of instruments by forming the Neo Brass Ensemble.

The group, comprising nine top musicians selected from throughout Europe, will be led by long-standing Yamaha cornet artist Russell Gray.

Debut

The Neo Brass Ensemble will make their debut at the Butlins Mineworkers Festival to be held in Skegness from January 16th–18th.

The debut performance is seen as celebrating a major milestone for Yamaha, as it becomes the only manufacturer able to fully equip a brass band by providing a complete range – at the highest level – of both brass and percussion instruments.

Very pleased

Yamaha's Stephen Adcock told 4BR: “We are very pleased that Yamaha has achieved the position of becoming the only company that can offer the full range of instruments for an entire brass band – from the most professional artists to aspiring beginners, where it all starts.

We are committed to developing our Neo range and have invested in ensuring that our instruments meet the demanding standards at the top level.

We’re looking forward to showcasing the Neo Brass Ensemble at the Festival in January and we hope this debut performance will be the first of many throughout Europe.”

We’re looking forward to showcasing the Neo Brass Ensemble at the Festival in January and we hope this debut performance will be the first of many throughout EuropeYamaha's Stephen Adcock

International mix

Russell Gray has provided valuable advice to Yamaha in developing the Neo Cornet, and many other Neo ensemble members have contributed to the design of the entire range. The group represents a truly international mix, with a passion to help develop the best possible brass instruments.

The Neo line up is as follows:

Russell Gray — Musical Director & Cornet (UK)
Stanley Westh — Cornet (Denmark)
George Thackray — Tenor Horn (UK)
Margaret Antrobus — Baritone (Norway)
Steve Walsh — Euphonium (UK)
Armin Bachmann — Trombone (Switzerland)
Eirik Gjerdevik — EEb Bass (Norway)
Simon Gresswell — BBb Bass (UK)
Craig Farr — Percussion (Norway)