Young percussion star Elsa Bradley, recently took a break from preparations for the British Open with the YBS Band to link up with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Swap

Elsa swapped 'Rococo Variations' for major works by Copland, Rachmaninov and Varèse. The concert at The Royal Albert Hall under the baton of conductor Antonio Pappano was broadcast live on BBC2 and BBC Radio 3.

YBS Band Manager Dave Long stold 4BR: "Everyone at YBS is very proud of Elsa. She’s a rising star and I’m sure this was a fabulous experience for her."

World premiere

Meanwhile another YBS percussion star Sarah Chapman has also been away during the summer. Sarah joined up the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain under the baton of James Gourlay.

The ten day residential course in Banbury saw the orchestra perform the World Premiere of Kenneth Hesketh’s ‘The Gilded Theatre’ at St Johns in London.

It’s great to have these three young stars back in time for the British OpenBand Manager, Dave Long

Return of the prodigal son

Finally the band welcome back another young star, cornet player Rick Dewhirst-Lister.

Rick has just finished the summer course with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and had to miss the English National Championships this year with YBS due to his final exams in June.

Dave Long commented to 4BR: "Rick’s a popular personality and has been a big miss with the band. It’s great to have these three young stars back in time for the British Open."