American euphonium star Grant Jameson was crowned the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award winner at the RNCM Concert Hall in Manchester on Friday evening.
Emulates Wheeler
As the last contender in a four man field, the 20 year old's performances of Peter Graham's 'Brilliante' and the traditional Irish Folk Tune, 'Carrickfergus' (arranged by one of the judges, Stephen Roberts) saw him become the first overseas winner since Brendan Wheeler in 2005, and the fourth euphonium player to win the prestigious award.
It was the second time that BBC Radio 2 had broadcast the final live on air, with the evening hosted by presenter Ken Bruce alongside 'Listen to the Band's' Frank Renton.
Frank also conducted Grimethorpe Colliery, who accompanied each of the soloists with great musical understanding.
Unanimous
Grant Jameson's superb performances saw him announced to the audience and listeners around the world as an 'unanimous winner' by judges, Stephen Roberts, Steve Sidwell and John Wallace.
The renowned Scottish trumpeter told Ken Bruce that the decision had been exceptionally difficult, but Grant had been their unanimous choice.
Complete performer
Later John Wallace also gave further insight to 4BR as to why the euphonium player had taken the title:
"Grant Jameson seemed to have complete control and just had it together throughout," he said.
"Everybody was very good, but there was something about each one that just did not gel. With Grant the whole thing did and he played superbly and projected himself to the hall in what was a brilliant performance."
Shocked
Having declared that he didn't expect to win, Grant later told presenter Ken Bruce that the feeling was 'amazing'.
And once all the congratulatory photographs and publicity shots were taken care of, he told 4BR just what winning the competition meant to him.
"I'm in a state of shock and it's an incredible feeling to come over here as an American and win this prestigious title that has been won by so many great players," he said. "I am very proud and humbled."
Having competed in the competition last year, the Flowers euphonium player admitted that he'd learned so much from that experience, before taking the time to thank his euphonium colleague and tutor at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, David Childs.
“To play alongside David at Flowers is just a superb experience. We discussed what repertoire I could play this evening and I thank him for all the help and advice he has given me."
Having enjoyed a quiet celebratory evening on Friday, Grant will stay in the North before linking up with Flowers for a concert at Morley Town Hall where David ironically will play Peter Graham's 'Brilliante'.
Prize
Grant will now undertake a number of high profile engagements involving BBC Radio 2 and 'Listen to the Band' to celebrate his victory.
Strong challenge
In taking the award, Grant beat off the strong challenge of Adam Bokaris on euphonium, cornetist player David Gilson and french horn player Benjamin Goldscheider.
Adam, the principal euphonium at Drighlington, was the first of the finalists to impress the judges.
The Australian delivered an excellent account of Paul McGhee's arrangement of 'Abide with Me', before performing a new work from the pen of Jonathan Bates, entitled 'Canis Majoris'.
Not to be
For the second successive year, Fairey's cornet player and RNCM student David Gilson also produced a fine performances with his brace of pieces that included the final movement of Elgar Howarth's 'Trumpet Concerto'.
The principal horn of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Benjamin Goldscheider was the penultimate finalist and chose to play Weber's 'Concertino'.
I'm in a state of shock and it's an incredible feeling to come over here as an American and win this prestigious title that has been won by so many great players. I am very proud and humbled ~ Grant Jameson
Grimey entertain
In addition to the competitive element, the reigning Brass in Concert champion, Grimethorpe Colliery delivered a terrific concert set showcasing the music of John Williams under the baton of Frank Renton.
Last year's winner, Matilda Lloyd was also on hand to present the award to Grant as well as perform 'Born on the 4th of July' alongside Grimethorpe Band.
Listen again
To listen again to the final which should be online for the next 28 days, click on the following link:
