In a continued campaign to increase opportunities for young brass players around the UK, Black Dyke Band has initiated a Young Artist Scheme, designed to support a young soloist for a twelve month period.

Recipient

The concept follows on from the 'Young Composer-in-Association' scheme in helping a young talent and promoting them within the brass band movement, as well as further afield.

During Black Dyke's performance at York Minster at the end of May, euphonium player Matthew White was named as the first ever recipient of the title.

Matthew has already appeared as a soloist with Black Dyke as part of the Radio 2 Young Soloist Competition and has been carving a name for himself through a line of successful competition and concert appearances.

It's a great honour and has topped off a fantastic final year at Chetham's! I'm looking forward to the prospect of starting at the RNCM with these opportunities in front of meMatthew White

Award winning performances

During the last twelve months he has appeared as a soloist with Leyland Band at Regent's Hall, London, given an award winning performance of the Elgar Howarth Concerto at Chetham's School and has been a recitalist at the Bergen Festival, Norway.

This September, Matthew will become part of the coveted euphonium department at the Royal Northern College of Music where he will continue his studies with David Thornton.

Huge talent

David commented to 4BR: "Matthew is a huge talent, his technique is fantastic, but the most impressive aspect is his performance skills — we want to help him achieve his full potential by giving him opportunities that he might not otherwise have. He really has the ability to become one of the movement's top players."

Fantastic

After the announcement, an excited Matthew told 4BR: "It's a great honour and has topped off a fantastic final year at Chetham's! I'm looking forward to the prospect of starting at the RNCM with these opportunities in front of me."

Great success

Meanwhile, Dr Nicholas Childs added; "Our recent Young Composer schemes, working successively with Peter Meechan and Paul Lovatt-Cooper have been a great success, and it seems natural to extend the idea to young performers.

It was a real pleasure working with Matthew for Radio 2, and he has proved to be a fine player and a well-rounded individual. We are eager to give him some broader exposure in the coming months."