Whether you're a brass band fanatic or not, you've probably already heard of the Black Dyke Band: 'the most famous brass band with a rich musical history of more than 150 years'. This top brass band always performs and competes at the highest level, partly because of their top principals. One of these top soloists is Principal Euphonium and Besson Artist Gary Curtin. Brass Band Willebroek invites Gary Curtin to be their guest soloist for the soloist concert on Sunday the 26th of 2014 at 19.30h, at CC Zwanenberg in Heist-op-den-Berg.
Tickets can be bought using the online ticket system underneath this article. Presale tickets are €12, tickets at the door are €15.
Gary Curtin was born in Cork City, Ireland. He began playing the baritone at the age of 12 and moved onto the euphonium in 1996. Following his move to euphonium, he fell in love with the sound of the instrument and became more and more convinced that he wanted to dedicate his time to developing as a player and musician.
Gary was the first euphonium player to study at degree level at the Cork School of Music, and he went on to study at masters level also. During his time at the Cork School of Music he was also awarded the Yamaha Solo Prize.
Moving to the UK was a big move for Gary but his desire to play at a higher level on his instrument got the better of him and in 2005 he moved to Manchester. While studying for a year at the RNCM under the tutelage of Steven Mead, Gary began to immerse himself in the brass band scene and has played solo euphonium with Wingates Band and the Fairey (Geneva) Band before moving to the Principal Euphonium seat at Black Dyke Band.
He received the Geoff Whitham Memorial Award for ‘Best Euphonium' at the 2010 British Open Championships at Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Gary has also enjoyed some orchestral experience on both the euphonium and the bass trumpet having performed Wagner's Ring Cycle on two occasions as well as most orchestral euphonium repertoire.
Translated by: Kim D.H.