Prof Nicholas Childs has just returned from his latest trip to Japan where he once again linked up with distinguished Professor Emeritus Takeo Yamamoto at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.

Spectacular

It marked the 63rd British Brass Band concert undertaken under his leadership, with the Director of Music of Black Dyke Band telling 4BR, that it was "a truly spectacular finale to my time in Tokyo."

Reflecting on the trip which he undertook with his wife Alison, he said: "It was a particular pleasure to share the occasion with the acclaimed Professor whose inspiration and dedication continue to shape the musical landscape in Japan."

Japanese premieres

During the event, the elite band delivered a trio of Japanese premieres: Jacob Larson's 'Aureum Spiriti', Peter Graham's 'Ben-Hur 1925', and Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'An Oxford Legacy'.

Prof Childs also had the opportunity to share a workshop with students, giving details of his experiences leading the world's most famous brass band and its recent acclaimed BBC Proms appearance, as well as giving advice on studying in the UK."

It was a particular pleasure to share the occasion with the acclaimed Professor whose inspiration and dedication continue to shape the musical landscape in JapanProf Nicholas Childs

Honour

He added: "The grand finale brought together nearly 150 outstanding student musicians in a magnificent massed-band performance. The music making was electrifying — we had two encores but could have provided another five!

It was a great honour once again to see Professor Yamamoto conduct the ever-popular 'Song of the Seashore', before the climax which was a combination of pipe organ and brass in 'The Lost Chord'."