Conductor Katrina Marzella-Wheeler has just enjoyed a return visit to Italy to link up and work with the Italian Brass Band in Rome.

The visit consisted of a number of workshop rehearsals as well as leading a concert performance from the band.

Busy

It was a busy few days for the Yamaha artist who enjoyed living in the country in recent years with her family. Katrina worked with the low brass of the band with the aim of improving tonality, sound and technique on repertoire that spanned the beginning of the 20th century to date.

The main concert took place at the Fellini Theatre of the Ennio Morricone School in Rome where Katrina shared the conducting duties with Musical Director Giuseppe Saggio, whilst she also was the featured soloist.

Conducting and playing

Repertoire came from original brass band works as well as arrangements from Italian opera, the highlight for a transfixed audience being the playing under her baton of the beautiful 'Elegy' from 'A Downland Suite'.

Katrina also joined solo euphonium Giuliano Cerbarano and solo baritone Domenico Cima for feature items on what was a memorable climax to a successful visit.

Reflecting on it on her Facebook page, Katrina said: "A great few days with Italian Brass Band! Fantastic people and great work completed."

Katrina's insight and musicianship was inspirational to us all — giving everyone a huge boost of musical confidence as we continue to enjoy our passion with our brass bandingItalian Brass Band

Passion

Band spokesperson Giovanni Celestino told 4BR: "Being able to work with world class brass artists such as Katrina is of huge benefit to our band. Katrina's insight and musicianship was inspirational to us all — giving everyone a huge boost of musical confidence as we continue to enjoy our passion with our brass banding.

We cannot thank her enough for coming and being such a special part of a memorable weekend of music making."