Russell Gray recently spent time working in Lithuania with conducting students as well as the police.

The Yamaha artist led a four day course for the students and the Lithuanian Police Orchestra funded by the Lithuanian National Culture Centre. It is the latest high profile European connection for the Scotsman who will now head to Norway with the Voss International Brass Ensemble.

Commitment

Russell was asked to lead the group of amateur conductors in working with professional orchestral musicians, an initiative that reinforces the commitment to improving levels of conducting in all genres of amateur music making — including brass bands.

Speaking about the visit Russell told 4BR: "It's wonderful to see and experience the commitment being made in investing in amateur music making in Lithuania.

As has been seen with the remarkable development of their brass banding movement, this long term commitment is already paying dividends, and with the European Championships already on the horizon in Palanga in 2024 there is so much to look forward to."

Four day course

Russell led the students over the four-day culminating in a seminar concert. His seminar entitled, 'Mastery of Brass Instruments Orchestra with a Professional Team" was held at the Palace of the Ministry of Internal Affairs together with the Lithuanian Police Representative Wind Orchestra.

With the assistance of Art Director Arturas Maniušis and conductor Eimantas Anskaitis the event which received funding through the Lithuanian National Culture Centre was a huge success.

It's wonderful to see and experience the commitment being made in investing in amateur music making in LithuaniaRussell Gray

Appetite to succeed

Russell added: "There is both an appetite to succeed and the talent to do just that here in Lithuania, so look out for the names of Egle Patinskaite, Amanda Vapsvait, Saulius Mickevicius, Rimantas Gelgota, Audrius Baronas and Remigijus Vilys in the future. It was a delight to work with them all."