University News Last updated 25 January
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) brass quintet Epsilon Brass recently won the Bernard Brown Brass Ensemble Prize.
The quintet comprises of brass students Charlie Cooper (trumpet), Jack Phillips (trumpet), Jhih-Yi Chang (French horn), Samuel Franks (trombone) and Morgan Hart (tuba).
The prize is open to chamber groups featuring RBC brass students. This year, eight different ensembles entered the competition, and after a highly competitive preliminary round four groups were selected for the final.
The final was adjudicated by members of the historical brass ensemble, the Prince Regent’s Band.
Epsilon Brass performed the following programme:
‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ – Berlin
Frost Fire movement 1: ‘Bright and Fast’ – Ewazen
‘Träumerei’ from Kinderszenen – Schumann
‘Escape’ – Kevin McKee
The other competition finalists were New Street Brass, Eternos Brass and the Elemental Brass Quartet.
Head of Brass Edward Jones said: “Congratulations to Epsilon Brass, who blew away the audience in the Bradshaw Hall with their virtuosic and entertaining programme. They were very deserving winners of a fiercely contested competition.
“Well done to all the RBC brass players who performed – it really was a hugely enjoyable evening.”
Pictured: (l-r) Head of Brass Edward Jones, Epsilon Brass and the Prince Regent’s Band.