Besson artists Les Neish and Owen Farr have just returned from the city of Jena in Germany where they led a series of masterclasses as part of the annual Jenaer Blechbläserseminare, organised and hosted for a third time by Brass Band BlechKLANG.

Formed in 1971 Brass Band BlechKLANG has participated at the German National Championships on several occasions – winning the Second Section in 2018 and performs various concerts in Jena and throughout the Thuringia area each year.

Important contribution

Around 20 delegate musicians on tuba, tenor horn, euphonium, baritone and trombone participated in the event which closed with a concert featuring the participants and stars.

"Whether as an active player or as a passive listener, all the delegates were able to enjoy the experience which I'm sure made such an important contribution to the further development of their own abilities,"Alexander Richter, conductor of BlechKLANG told 4BR.

"The event was an absolute highlight and it was so rewarding to see Owen and Les working with the musicians. I would like to thank Besson for making it possible, and I'm convinced that the Jenaer Blechbläserseminare masterclass series continues to have a huge impact on the development of the German brass band movement."

It's great that the German brass band scene is developing so rapidly and we were delighted to be part of it this yearLes Neish

Concert finale

The event ended with a concert in the Jena City Church of St. Michael in front of enthusiastic music lovers, with the band providing a colourful programme and Owen and Les sprinkling their stardust qualities on top.

Les told 4BR: "Our thanks go to Alexander Richter and his co-conductor Patricio Cosentino for the invitation to this unique event.

Despite different levels of performance and age groups, there was an intense working atmosphere and all the delegates were highly motivated and very eager to learn.

It's great that the German brass band scene is developing so rapidly and we were delighted to be part of it this year."