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Euphonium player Lewis Musson from Hulme, Manchester is the winner of this year's ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 2's Young Brass Soloist Award following the final held on Saturday 19 February at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

The award was presented by last year's winner, fellow euphonium player, Matthew White.

Talking about the Award, Lewis said: "I'm very excited at the prospect of playing with the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Concert Orchestra and Championship standard brass band, and found the whole event very exciting, nerve-racking but very enjoyable."

Adjudicating the final was Paul Archibald, one of the country's leading trumpet players, and tuba maestro Les Neish.

Judge Paul Archibald said: "Having both judged the semi final, Les Neish and I knew that the standard in the final was going to be high and it certainly was. We were looking for a musician who can communicate, who can feel for the music, someone who can really hold the audience, a complete player, and we found that in the playing of Lewis Musson." 

Lewis now has the unique opportunity to play with the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Concert Orchestra on Radio 2's flagship live music programme Friday Night Is Music Night, and to play as a soloist with one of the UK's top brass bands at a prestigious event.

Robert Gallacher, Editor, Radio 2, comments: "On behalf of Radio 2, I'd like to congratulate Lewis on his well-deserved prize and we look forward to him performing on Friday Night Is Music Night."

The final was presented by Frank Renton and highlights of the event will be broadcast on Radio 2 on Thursday 24 February at 10pm. After this date, the programme can be listened to via the Radio 2 website at .

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year is one of the ways that Radio 2, which attracts over 13 million listeners each week, is committed to supporting music at grassroots level.

KA