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'National Youth' week, a world premier and BBC Radio 2 |
 A busy week for Paul Lovatt-Cooper has seen him jet from one National Youth Band course in England to another National Youth Band course in Scotland to conduct masterclasses and enjoy performances of his music, including a new world premier.Paul has been commissioned by Philip Biggs and Dr Nicholas Childs on behalf of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain to compose this year's featured work for the National Children's Band of Great Britain. The new work entitled 'Festiva Brazilia' takes its inspiration from the exciting Latin music performed in Brazil and in particular the samba festivals held each year in Rio. The piece, full of South American style trumpet passages and ensemble hooks and riffs is a lively 'feel-good' work for the players to enjoy. It uses many varied samba rhythms and styles and also requires the whole band to perform a Samba with percussion instruments. Paul visited the National Children's Band course held at Repton School in Derby to conduct a master class on his new work which the players fell in love with straight away. Dr Nicholas Childs the musical Director of the National Children's Band commented "Paul is one of the most successful composers of recent times and he has received more commissions from the Children's Band than any other composer. This is simply because his music has so much appeal to the performers. They have thoroughly enjoyed playing Paul's new work." The new piece 'Festiva Brazilia' was part of the programme of music performed by the NCBBGB at their finale concert on August 7th. With a challenging programme the band also performed another piece by Paul 'Island Whirl' which is featured on Paul's latest best selling album 'Only For You'. After his visit to the National Children's Band course Paul then travelled over 400 miles North to St Andrews in Fife to join the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland. Paul was the guest conductor of the NYBBS course and enjoyed his final appearance after a successful two year spell. The NYBBS course expertly directed by Neil Cross was led by the enigmatic Richard Evans who was also joined by international trumpet soloist Rex Richardson. Richard, Rex and Paul worked with the NYBBS Senior Band and also the Reserve and Children's Band during the week. They delivered masterclasses on composition, performance and jazz which the students loved. Paul also gave a master class on his latest work 'Breath of Souls' - this year's set work for the championship section of the National Finals of Great Britain held at the Royal Albert Hall on October the 15th. The final concert performed by all three youth bands performed much of Paul's music including 'Wall of Sound', 'The Big Top', 'Island Whirl' and 'Only For You' - the latter two pieces featuring guest soloist Rex Richardson. The special guest on the course was Sue Richards, the wife of the late Goff Richards. In the concert Paul conducted Goff's 'Oceans' and dedicated it to Sue. Commenting on the courses Paul said "It has been a pleasure working with the National Children's Band and the National Youth Band of Scotland once again. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at both courses and as I leave NYBBS I would like to wish them all the very best for the future." Paul's busy schedule concludes with an appearance as the special guest on BBC Radio 2's "Listen to the Band". Host Frank Renton talks to Paul about his latest best selling album 'Only For You' and Paul's composition for the National Finals 'Breath of Souls'. You can listen to the show by tuning into BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday August the 10th at 9:30. The show will also be available on the BBC iPlayer by selecting Radio 2. |
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