Winner: Thomas Nielsen
2. Brass Bands England Artistic Development Programme
3. Felix Geroldinger
The supremely talented and engagingly modest young cornet player Thomas Nielsen is the deserved winner of the Newcomer of the Year accolade.
2018 saw him claim the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award with a thrilling performance at the RNCM in Manchester, as well as take his place on the front row at the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army.
He further enhanced his growing reputation as principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain as well as a performer of steely nerve when featured alongside Black Dyke at the British Open Gala Concert and in giving a brace of guest solo spots at the Cheltenham National Finals.
Some player — so catch him now before he surely finds his way into the professional orchestral ranks.
In what was a very close battle for the award, he gained 3 first choices preferences from the panel and four podium votes.
Excellent work
The excellent work of Brass Bands England revitalising grass roots artistic development by sending Philip Harper out around the country on popular workshop days saw them gain 2 first preference choice votes (BBE CEO Kenny Crookston abstained from the vote) and 2 podium votes.
Splendid fashion
A fine third place with 2 first choice preferences went to the remarkable young Austrian baritone player Felix Geroldinger who won the European Solo Competition title in Utrecht in splendid fashion in May.
Some player — so catch him now before he surely finds his way into the professional orchestral ranks4BR
Past Winners:
2017: Ingar Bergby
2016: Thierry Deleruyelle
2015: Dark Arteries — Rambert Ballet and Tredegar Band
2014: The Band of the King's Division
2013: Korpsfiksert! — Eikanger Bjorsvik television series
2012: Brass in Concert
2011: Venezuelan Brass Ensemble
2010: Exit Brass
2009: Lucy Pankhurst
2008: Paul Duffy
2007: Proms Brass Day
2006: English National Championships
2005: Brass Band Aid
2004: The National Children's Band of Great Britain
2003: Emma Farrow
2002: Simon Dobson
Panel:
The Awards Panel consisted of : Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (Chief Contributor); Steven Mead (euphonium soloist); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine); Kenny Crookston (CEO, Brass Bands England); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/soprano cornet Bjorsvik Brass); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist).
