Angus wins prestigious Harry Mortimer Award for outstanding solo performance
Congratulations to rising euphonium star Angus Ritchie on winning the coveted Harry Mortimer Award at this year’s National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain summer school.
Former lead euphonium with Kirkintilloch Kelvin Band and NYBBS principal, Angus now plays second euphonium with the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band. He gave a stunning performance of Ziebekikos from Philip Wilby’s Euphonium Concerto and Harlequin by Philip Sparke to take the top prize.
The prestigious Harry Mortimer Award recognises individual musical excellence within the band. Eight finalists were the section winners from the Katie Ogden Solo Competition, held during the Youth Band Easter course at Pangbourne College in April, and as the top performers on their instrument, they advanced to compete for the coveted Harry Mortimer Award during the NYBBGB summer course at Oundle School in Northamptonshire.
Each delivered outstanding performances in the Great Hall at Oundle, showcasing the very best of youth brass talent in the UK, in front of an esteemed panel of judges comprising Lt Col Stewart Halliday (Commanding Officer, Bands of the Household Division), Tracey Redfern (principal trumpet, Manchester Camerata, Northern Ballet and Northern Chamber Orchestras and BBC Young Musician brass finalist) and Martyn Brabbins (international conductor and champion of British music).
Pianist Martyn Parkes accompanied all of the finalists with exceptional artistry.
The Harry Mortimer Award not only includes a £250 prize but also the honour of performing as guest soloist with the NYBBGB Children’s Band next summer.
