Black Dyke euphonium player Daniel Thomas was crowned 2016 BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award winner at the RNCM Concert Hall in Manchester on Friday evening.
Distinguished company
As the third contender in a four-man field, the 21 year old Welshman's stunning performances of Sigvart Danland's 'Michelangelo' and 'Dragon's Den' from Andy Scott's 'Euphonium Concerto', saw him become the fifth euphonium player to win the prestigious award.
It was the third 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. Dr Robert Childs conducted Grimethorpe Colliery, who accompanied each of the soloists with great musical understanding.
Tough call in best ever final
Daniel's outstanding playing in a high-class final saw him announced as winner to a worldwide audience after what was described as a 'tough decision' by judges, Prof Edward Gregson, Stephen Bell and Les Neish. Those lucky enough to attend would have agreed with them that the overall standard was arguably as good as it has ever been.
The renowned composer told Ken Bruce that they had been looking for someone who delivered what he called, 'the whole package'; a performer who communicated his musical intentions both technically and musically. He added that they felt that each finalist should be proud of their performances on the night.
Reasons
Later the trio also gave further insight to 4BR, with Prof Gregson adding: "There were three outstanding performances and it was really tough. They all played very musically and were good communicators — although each was different in their own way, especially when comparing a brace of trombones to a French horn and euphonium."
When asked what made Daniel stand out though, it was Les Neish who revealed the answer: "It was his innate sense of performance and the communication he brought to it with the audience,"he said, adding: "For me, he was the only player that really took the risks with the quiet dynamics — especially at the end of the first piece with his wonderful pianissimo playing."
Shocked
Having being rendered almost speechless on live radio when Ken Bruce first interviewed him, the Black Dyke euph player finally revealed that at present he, 'wasn't sure what winning the title meant to him'.
However, once the congratulations and photographs were taken care of, along with that all important embrace with his mother, Susan, it certainly became crystal clear.
"I'm still in a state of shock right now and I'm just delighted I played well tonight," he told 4BR, before paying tribute to those who have helped his musical development over the years and especially since he knew he was to appear in the final.
"I wouldn't be here tonight without the help and guidance from those who have known me over the years and contributed to where I am now.
I owe a huge thank you to my teacher, Dr David Thornton who has been behind my development since coming to the RNCM, as well as the rigorous practice regimes to ensure that everything for tonight was as good as it could be."
Support
Daniel then took time out to thank everybody from his earlier playing days in Wales to his current band at Black Dyke for their support — especially Professor Nicholas Childs.
He also thanked Cory's Glyn Williams for his continuous encouragement and support, although he did reveal that he'd done a lot of thinking about the selection of his repertoire for the final.
Celebrations on hold
Having gone into the refectory to be serenaded by his fellow RNCM students to Welsh arias and 'Danny Boy', he also admitted that any celebrations will be on hold for at least a couple of weeks.
"My studies aside, the focus now is on Black Dyke's European defence in Lille in just under two weeks time,"he added. "I hope I have cause for a double celebration by helping the band retain the title, although that will mean beating my parents who play with Cory", he mischievously said with a wry grin.
Daniel will now undertake a number of high-profile engagements involving BBC Radio 2 and 'Listen to the Band' as part of his overall prize.
I owe a huge thank you to my teacher, Dr David Thornton who has been behind my development since coming to the RNCM, as well as the rigorous practice regimes to ensure that everything for tonight was as good as it could beDaniel Thomas
Strong challenge
In taking the award, Daniel beat off the strong challenge of tenor and bass trombonists Samuel Dye and Kyle MacCorquodale as well as French horn player Benjamin Goldscheider.
Samuel, 16, was the first of the finalists to impress the judges with a set that included Philip Wilby's 'White Knuckle Ride', whilst for the second successive year, Benjamin Goldscheider, also produced fine performances with a brace that included the first movement of the Richard Strauss '1st Horn Concerto'.
Meanwhile, Scotland's Kyle MacCorquodale certainly won a lot of admirers in the RNCM Concert Hall with his cracking contributions: Henry Mancini's ' The Days of Wine and Roses' was followed by the '1st movement' of Derek Bourgeois's 'Concerto for Bass Trombone and Brass Band'.
Grimey entertain
In addition to the competitive element, the reigning British Open champion Grimethorpe Colliery delivered a terrific pre-results concert, joined on stage by the Opera Babes, who they had toured with last Autumn.
2015 winner, Grant Jameson was also on hand to present the award to Daniel as well as declare that he had also enjoyed a memorable year and would encourage any young player to enter the competition.
Listen again
To listen to Daniel's winning performances and the final, which should be available for around 28 days, click on the following link:
