Cory Band is pleased to announce its trombone line-up for this year’s Autumn contests. For the British Open in September, the trombones will be led by Simon Cowen, Principal Trombone of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO), past principal of YBS, Black Dyke and Fairey Bands, and current Musical Director of the Besses o’th’ Barn Band. Simon will be joining up with Cory immediately after the RLPO’s Prom concert in London on 25 August, and he commented: “It is a very exciting prospect to be performing at the British Open once again, especially after so many years. I’ve always been an avid fan of Cory and it will be a pleasure working under the baton of Philip Harper. The last time I played at the British Open on solo trombone was back in 1999 with YBS and many years have passed performing predominantly orchestrally so it will be an utter thrill to put my banding shoes on one more time, especially with a band as magnificent as Cory”
For its defence of the National title in October outgoing principal Chris Thomas has made himself available to assist the cause. In many ways this will be ‘business as usual’ for Cory, although a long-term permanent appointment to the chair will be made after the contests.
In the meantime, current Cory Band 2nd trombone player Gareth Robinson will act as deputy principal.
Musical Director Philip Harper commented: “We’re in a fortunate position to have such a super player and bandsman as Gareth within our ranks, and he will have no trouble at all in leading the section on many occasions ahead. All of us in the band are looking forward to welcoming Simon for a brief period – I first came across him when we were both in the BBC Young Musician of the Year back in 1991 and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the finest trombone players in the UK. And as for Chris agreeing to help us defend our title in London – we are all thrilled about this development and look forward to yet another fantastic contest together!”
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