National champion Cory has announced that Simon Cowen (above), principal trombone of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and a past solo trombone of YBS, Black Dyke and Fairey, will join the Welsh band for their British Open assault in September.
Exciting prospect
Currently the Musical Director of Besses o' th' Barn, he will team up with the world's number 1 ranked band immediately after the RLPO's Prom concert in London on 25th August.
He told 4BR: "It's a very exciting prospect to be performing at the British Open once again, especially after so many years. I've always been an avid fan of Cory and it will be a pleasure working under Philip Harper.
The last time I played at the British Open on solo trombone was back in 1999 with YBS and many years have passed with me performing predominantly in orchestras, so it will be a great thrill to put my banding shoes on one more time, especially with a band as magnificent as Cory."
Thomas return
Meanwhile, for National Championships in October, outgoing principal Chris Thomas has made himself available to assist defending champion's cause, although a long-term permanent appointment will be made after the contests. In the meantime, current 2nd trombone Gareth Robinson will act as deputy principal.
We are all looking forward to welcoming Simon for a brief period. I first came across him in 1991 and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the finest trombone players in the UKPhilip Harper
Fortunate
Musical Director Philip Harper told 4BR: "We're in a fortunate position to have such a super player and bandsman as Gareth within our ranks, and he will have no trouble at all in leading the section on many occasions ahead."
He added: "We are all looking forward to welcoming Simon for a brief period. I first came across him when we were both in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 1991 and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the finest trombone players in the UK.
We are also thrilled that Chris has agreed to help us defend our title in London and I look forward to yet another fantastic contest together!"
