For this concert The National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain and Guest Conductor Dr David Thornton will be joined by Guest Soloist Lewis Barton (cornet).
Dr David Thornton is regarded as one of the foremost euphonium players and teachers of his generation and has a global reputation. His work as a soloist, conductor and educator is renowned throughout the brass playing world to have a distinct hallmark of extreme virtuosity, professionalism and an ability to connect with audiences like few others in his field. His work within the brass band world has seen him at the top-flight for over a decade. He has held solo euphonium positions with the Fairey Band (1997-2000) and the Black Dyke Band (2000-2010) having won European, National and British Open Titles during this time. David is currently solo euphonium with the Brighouse and Rastrick Band. David has been a tutor for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, National Youth Brass Band of Wales, National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, the International Brass Band Summer School (Swansea) and the Wessex Band Summer School, and many of his current and former students hold principal position with the UK’s leading bands.
Having already gained great acclaim as Principal Cornet of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britainand Elland Silver Band, 18-year-old Lewis Barton is currently in his first year of studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. Lewis’ achievements to date are already extensive, having been awarded Best Soloist at the British Open Youth Championships in 2019, winning the Harry Mortimer Solo Competition in 2024, along with being judged as the best soloist at both the Dr Martins Entertainment Competition and Blackpool’s Spring Festival competition in 2022. As well as his brass band achievements, Lewis has enjoyed previously studying at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music and was also appointed Principal Trumpet of the Halle Youth Orchestra in his final year there. He is still heavily involved in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain as their Principal Cornet and has recently become a member of their Ambassador Band, which is due to undertake many exciting projects in 2025.
