Conductor Sarah Ioannides had to repeatedly return to the rostrum at Saffron Hall on Saturday evening to accept the applause of the audience at the conclusion of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's end of course concert.
Speaking to many listeners after the event, the curtain-call acclaim was fully justified as the Music Director of the Symphony Tacoma in Washington State drew out playing of rich maturity from the 80 young musicians under her command.
Plaudits
The plaudits came after the conducting catalyst inspired memorable performances from a demanding programme that included two world premieres as well as the 'Windows of the World' and 'Pines of Rome' suites.
Earlier she spoke of her delight at "coming home" despite having to overcome a bout of tonsillitis during the week.
Now in her ninth season in Tacoma, she also revealed that she had first played the tenor horn before moving to French Horn with the Surrey County Youth Orchestra. Her musical talent later saw her earn master's degrees from Oxford University and the Julliard School of Music as well as becoming a Fulbright Scholar.
Incredible band
"It been wonderful to return. I'm even used to the weather: As we say in Seattle (where she lives with husband and guest trombone soloist Scott Hartman) you must, "smile at the rain".
In thanking the proud families in attendance "for producing such wonderful young musicians", she also took the time to speak of the rapport she felt with the players and for their "remarkable musicianship". She added: "This is an incredible band."
Very proud
Scott Hartman, who brought a very American 'stars & stripes' bravura to his solo contributions was equally impressed when speaking to the audience about "your young people" from "your communities and your bands"
"The ability to learn and understand the music so quickly was amazing", he said.
"This is something to be very proud of indeed — and I know that you all are."
Earlier Mark Bromley, the CEO of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain said that this year 17 of the players were making their final appearance on the course, whilst he also confirmed that the 2024 course would see the world premiere of a new work from the pen of the celebrated composer Sir Karl Jenkins.
In thanking the proud families in attendance "for producing such wonderful young musicians", she also took the time to speak of the rapport she felt with the players and for their "Remarkable musicianship"4BR
Survey response
That has arisen from the organisation's link to the Royal Society Wildlife Trusts, whilst partnerships with Besson, British Army Music, Mercer & Barker and a growing list of charitable foundations and trusts the organisations enabled them to provide bursary financial help as well as plan for longer term initiatives.
He also asked if people who attended the concert could also help by filling in a short survey about their experience of the event at:
