Black Dyke tenor horn star Siobhan Bates was crowned 2019 BrassPass.tv Young Brass Award winner following an exciting live-streamed final at Manchester's Stoller Hall.

The Huddersfield University student's performances of 'Peace' by John Golland and the 'Finale' from 'Fantasie Concertante' by Philip Wilby saw her claim the honours awarded by the panel of judges, Dr Robert Childs, trombone virtuoso Lito Fontana and Kate Moore, principal trumpet of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

It followed a keen battle from rivals Tobias Reifer (euphonium), Peter McDonough (euphonium) and Holly Clarke (trumpet), accompanied by the National Champion Foden's, who also gave a short concert prior to the results.

Determined

Speaking to 4BR after the event Siobhan said that she was thrilled to have finally won the title at her third attempt.

"I've been determined to win it — so this is so special. I've had great support from my tutors at Huddersfield University and Black Dyke of course, so I've got plenty of people to thank for helping me."

Siobhan said that she had to think hard about the repertoire she played in the final, as she wanted to show off the stylistic diversity of the tenor horn rather than just plumb for something tried and tested.

"I discussed this with Kirsty Walker (Abbotts) and we decided to go with John Golland's 'Peace', originally a euphonium solo, as it showed the horn voice off in a different tonal light. The finale from Philip Wilby's 'Fantasie Concertante' really pushed me technically and musically too — so I was delighted that the judges felt I had taken a few risks."

Stand out

That was certainly confirmed by the judges in their summing up, with Kate Moore stating that she felt that there had been "one stand out"performer from "four lovely performances"who really communicated with the audience with their playing.

Bob Childs agreed, stating that the judges had been looking "beyond the notes"for "musical maturity", whilst Lito Fontana expressed his amazement at what he called "simply fantastic music making"from all the finalists.

Siobhan certainly put down a marker as the second of the four to perform alongside Foden's Band, expertly led in accompaniment by Michael Fowles.

I've been determined to win it — so this is so special. I've had great support from my tutors at Huddersfield University and Black Dyke of course, so I've got plenty of people to thank for helping meSiobhan Bates

Impressive

Italian euphonium player Tobias Reifer gave a fine account of 'Proverbially' by Tom Davoren, whilst trumpeter Holly Clark delivered an engaging rendition of Vassily Brandt's 'Concert Piece No 1'. Eccles Borough euphonium player Peter McDonough impressed many in the audience with his mature performances of 'In Gardens of Peace' by Philip Harper and 'Blue Heart' from Philip Sparke's 'Diamond Concerto' played from memory.

None though could quite match the fearless 20 year from Black Dyke, as Siobhan's maturity and poise allied to her warm tonality and secure technique claimed a deserved victory.

News feature

It is now hoped that Siobhan will appear on the BBC 'Look North' (the regional news programme after the national 6.00pm news) today (Tuesday 2nd April) to speak about her victory, whilst 4BR understands that she will now be featured on the Young Soloist Showcase at the 2020 RNCM Brass Band Festival.

Image: Copyright Lorne Campbell