Simon Cowen, principal trombone of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, has been appointed Musical Director of Besses o’ th’ Barn Band.

The 42 year old takes over the role at one of the most historic banding names with immediate effect and follows on from their highly encouraging performance together at the recent North West Regional Championships in Blackpool.

Experience

Simon has performed with all the major UK symphony orchestras including the City of Birmingham Symphony and the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as playing with top bands such as Black Dyke, Fairey and YBS. He has also recently been heard performing with artists such as Elbow and The Beautiful South.

Honour

Simon told 4BR: “It’s a privilege and honour to be working with Besses. The history of the band is incredible and I remember listening to them as a youngster and becoming a big fan.

It’s going to be a very exciting year as we work towards their 200th anniversary, with many concerts in the schedule.

The atmosphere in the band room is fantastic and the dedication from each player is excellent. I’m very excited about the future with this fabulous band.”

The atmosphere in the band room is fantastic and the dedication from each player is excellent. I’m very excited about the future with this fabulous bandSimon Cowen

Thrilled

Band Chairman, David Hodgkinson added: “Besses is thrilled to have Simon’s huge musical talent and experience as our new musical director.

We are confident that with him at the helm we shall sail into the future on top form and celebrate our bicentenary in 2018 with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.”