A pioneering brass band workshop took place for the second time last weekend in the wonderful setting of the former Michaelstein Abbey in Saxony-Anhalt in Germany.

Entitled, 'Colours of Brass' under the musical motto, 'Around the World in 80 Days', it was led by conductor Alexander Richter, who worked with more than 20 participants at the Saxony-Anhalt Academy of Music to bring an increasing appreciation of the British style of brass band music making.

Inspired

Alexander, who is the conductor of the award-winning brass band BlechKLANG Jena and Artistic Director of the Brass Band Competence Center has been inspired to increase participation and appreciation of brass band music making in his home country after attending Allan Withington's Conducting Course in Leeuwarden earlier this year, and told 4BR.

"The focus of the course was to shine a musical light on this largely unknown form of wonderful music making and to work on emulating its sound production, interaction and musical expression."

The participant's own instrumental development was not forgotten however, with Alexander joined by the renowned Argentinean tuba player and Besson artist Patricio Cosentino and the Leipzig based drummer Konrad Angerhofer.

The focus of the course was to shine a musical light on this largely unknown form of wonderful music making and to work on emulating its sound production, interaction and musical expressionAlexander Richter

Enthusiastic

Together the group ended the workshop with an hour long concert programme of music rehearsed over the two days in front of an enthusiastic audience.

"We certainly gained new converts and fans,"Alexander added. "We featured music from England of course, but also Africa, Switzerland the United States.

It was a thrill to work with such enthusiastic and talented musicians. As different as the age spectrum and musical background may be, the love for brass band music making shone through. Plans are already in place for 2020 as we look to continue our progress."