Besson Horizons International Musical Exchange 2026: Building Musical Bridges Across Borders
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB), the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland (NJBB) and leading brass manufacturer Besson are delighted to jointly announce the Besson Horizons 2026 international musical exchange, marking the third year of a successful and growing partnership. United by a shared ambition “to increase understanding and widen opportunity”, the programme continues to connect outstanding young brass musicians across borders, offering transformative musical and cultural experiences.
Supported by Besson, the Besson Horizons exchange programme enables two young musicians from each country to participate in the other band’s summer course. The initiative is designed to broaden musical perspectives, deepen artistic development and foster lasting friendships, while celebrating the shared heritage and distinctive traditions of brass banding in the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
For 2026, four exceptional young musicians have been selected to take part in the exchange. Representing The NYBBGB are Matthew Hurst (baritone) and Stephanie Jonas (cornet), while Orianne Moren (flugel horn) and Tobias Rüedi (percussion) will represent the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland.
In July, Matthew and Stephanie will travel to Switzerland to take part in the 51st NJBB A-Band course, which runs from 4th to 11th July 2026 in Huttwil, Switzerland. The course will be led by Guest Conductor Jean‑François Bobillier, a renowned Swiss brass band conductor and euphonium player, known for his work with the Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan and his longstanding contribution to the Swiss brass community. The band will also be joined by Guest Soloist Stéphane Bertin (percussion), a seasoned performer with twelve years’ experience in the Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan, bringing extensive expertise in both ensemble playing and solo percussion performance. This experience offers Matthew and Stephanie a unique opportunity to deepen their musicianship, explore Swiss brass band traditions, and perform under the guidance of leading figures in the international brass world.
In August, Orianne and Tobias will make the journey to the UK to take part in The NYBBGB 2026 Summer Course, held from 1st to 8th August 2026 at Taunton School. The course will be led by Guest Conductor Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts, Principal Director of Music (Army). Lt Col Petritz-Watts has had a distinguished career in elite performance, conducting and leadership, including directing the Band of the Welsh Guards during the Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II, the Coronation and the King’s First Birthday Parade. Lt Col Petritz-Watts is the first woman to serve as Principal Director of Music (Army) since 1857. Participants will benefit from her extensive performance experience, musical insight and commitment to nurturing young musicians.
The course will culminate in The NYBBGB 2026 Summer Concert on Saturday 8th August 2026 at The Forum, Bath, conducted by Lt Col Petritz-Watts and featuring internationally acclaimed tuba player Sérgio Carolino as Guest Soloist. Carolino is Principal Tuba of the Porto Symphony Orchestra, founder of the GRAVÍSSIMO! Low Brass Festival & Academy and is celebrated for his virtuosity across classical, jazz and contemporary repertoire. His presence provides NYBBGB musicians and audiences with a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of one of the world’s most distinguished tuba players.
The four exchange musicians each bring impressive musical achievements and a clear passion for brass music. Matthew Hurst, a baritone player from East Lancashire, has progressed through eight NYBBGB courses and is a recipient of both the Jon Tinker Baritone Shield and the Maud Wright Award for leadership and service. Stephanie Jonas, from North Wales, is a former NYBBGB Principal Cornet, current Principal Cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, and an award-winning soloist studying music at the University of Oxford.
From Switzerland, Orianne Moren is an accomplished flugel horn player with Brass Band 13 Etoiles and a prize-winning soloist at regional and national competitions, while Tobias Rüedi is a versatile percussionist whose musical interests span brass banding, jazz and rock ensembles.
Now in its third year, the Besson Horizons international musical exchange stands as a powerful example of how collaboration, shared values and musical excellence can inspire the next generation of brass musicians. The NYBBGB, the NJBB and Besson are proud to continue this partnership, strengthening international links and widening opportunities for young artists through music.
