Besson Horizons International Exchange 2026 begins in Switzerland

The Besson Horizons international music exchange 2026 has begun, bringing together young brass musicians from the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland (NJBB) and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) and for a week of musical collaboration in Huttwil, Switzerland.

As part of the ongoing partnership between NYBBGB, NJBB and supported by leading brass manufacturer Besson Brass, NYBBGB musicians Stephanie Jonas (cornet) and Matthew Hurst (baritone) have joined the NJBB A Band this week for its summer course and concert performances.

Stephanie Jonas has been appointed Principal Cornet of the NJBB A Band for the course and concert — a fantastic recognition of her musicianship and leadership. Both Stephanie and Matthew have played an active role throughout the week’s rehearsals, working alongside more than 100 young brass and percussion musicians from across Switzerland.

Now in its 51st year, the NJBB summer course brings together talented young musicians from Switzerland’s four linguistic regions for an intensive week of rehearsals, coaching and performances. Following a successful week of music-making in Huttwil, both the NJBB A Band and B Band are preparing for their first concert of the summer, which takes place tomorrow.

The Besson Horizons exchange reflects the shared ambition of the NYBBGB and the NJBB to increase understanding and widen opportunity through music. The programme enables young musicians from both countries to experience different musical traditions, develop their performance skills and build lasting international friendships.

The exchange continues in August, when NJBB musicians Orianne Moren (flugel horn) and Tobias Rüedi (percussion) travel to the UK to join the NYBBGB summer course at Taunton School. They will also perform at the NYBBGB Summer Concert 2026 at The Forum, Bath, on Saturday 8 August.

Conducted by Guest Conductor Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts, Principal Director of Music (Army), the concert will feature guest tuba soloist Ross Knight and celebrate the outstanding talent of young brass musicians from across Europe.

Tickets for The NYBBGB Summer Concert in Bath are on sale now at www.nybbgb.org.uk/whats-on.

The NYBBGB would like to thank Besson Brass for its continued support of this valuable international exchange programme and its commitment to inspiring the next generation of brass musicians.