Tenor horn star Owen Farr has announced that due to increased solo, work and family commitments, he has taken the decision to end his tenure as solo horn with Cory Band.

New avenues

Speaking exclusively to 4BR, he said he felt it was the right time to take the next step in his musical career, especially as a number new and exciting avenues have opened up for him.

"It has been a very difficult decision to make, but I feel that this is the right time,"he said.

"The past 11 years have been spectacular to say the least at Cory, but the future looks equally exciting with new teaching commitments, solo projects and family experiences to enjoy.

It's been a huge honour to play for Cory — and I will miss the great friendships and sense of pride I had when taking to the stage wearing the uniform. I cannot thank everyone associated with the band enough — players, supporters, committee and conductors."

Widespread acclaim

Since signing or the number 1 ranked band in the world under Dr Robert Childs, Owen became an integral part of the Cory success story — helping them to multiple major contest victories at the British Open, National, World and Brass in Concert Championships.

He also gained widespread critical acclaim for his series of solo recordings, whilst his teaching commitments at Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Welsh College have been instrumental in students from around the world making the decision to come to the UK to be taught by him.

New series

Owen revealed that he will now pioneer a new series of interactive masterclasses through his long term association with Besson Musical Instruments, whilst his solo diary continues to be increasingly taken up with more and more overseas work.

As he explained to 4BR, it is the increase in those demands — and also his desire to spend more time with his young family that have led to his decision.

"It has become very much a balancing act — but one I thoroughly enjoy.

However, family life is very important to me, and so, with a new teaching appointment at the RNCM in Manchester in September, my increased commitment to innovative projects with Besson and a diary of solo and tuition work to maintain both at home and abroad, I cannot give Cory the dedicated commitment they deserve and should expect."

It's been a huge honour to play for Cory — and I will miss the great friendships and sense of pride I had when taking to the stage wearing the uniformOwen Farr

Future plans

Over the next few months Owen revealed that he will be recording a new work for horn by composer Robert Redhead, working with the star studded Eminence Brass quartet, as well as undertaking a short tour to Scandinavia, being a tutor on a number of leading Summer Schools and dipping his toes into new musical technology with Besson.

"That's the exciting future for me now,"he added. "It will be a different balance to maintain, but one that I believe is the best for me and my family."