Tuba star Les Neish and Enfield Citadel Band conductor Jonathan Corry recently spent a very productive day of sectional rehearsals with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.

Tutelage

Les and Jonathan led individual sectional rehearsals and full brass sectionals where the orchestra members, who range from 17 to 22, gained tutelage and direction in orchestral works such as 'Le Corsaire' and 'Concerto for Orchestra' by Bela Bartok.

It was great to be able to coach at such a good youth orchestra and what made it extra special was to work with Jonathan again as it was 10 years to the day our friendship beganLes Neish

Decade

Les and Jonathan first met in December 1998 on the Winter course of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (where both served as principals) and have remained close friends and associates since.

This has included Les and Jonathan both studying tuba and trumpet respectively at the RNCM and in their post-graduate year both studied with James Gourlay.

Collaborations

Their collaborations since have included several SA Music schools, masterclasses, concerts, BBC national/local brass quintet recordings and the highly acclaimed recording 'Badinage' featuring Leslie as soloist with Fuoco Brass.

Away from music Jonathan introduced Leslie to his future wife and at present is perfecting his Best Man speech for the big day in 2010!!

Jetting away

Les is soon off to Holland for a solo engagement and the Cayman Islands with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, and is looking forward to a forthcoming recording project with his friend and mentor James Gourlay.

Extra special

Jonathan is currently Brass Co-ordinator for the London Borough of Brent and is busy preparing for the New Year with Enfield Citadel Band where an exciting recording project and tour of Norway are planned.

Les told 4BR: "It was great to be able to coach at such a good youth orchestra and what made it extra special was to work with Jonathan again as it was 10 years to the day our friendship began."