Following on from his recent victory at this year's Brass Band Conductors' Association's (BBCA’s) flagship Conducting Competition, So Matsukawa has gone on to claim his prize of a unique opportunity to rehearse and conduct a championship band.
Working with Foden's band and mentored by Russell Gray, So prepared the band for a concert at London’s Regent Hall in London on the eve of the National Brass Band Championships.
So, who hails from Japan gave this account of his experience:
“I have been waiting for this award winner’s concert since I received the award in June! I never thought I would be able to play music with the top band that I had only heard on CD, and in the UK. But it wasn't just the concert that was truly precious this time. The 10 days I spent with them were all gems. I shared every moment of Russell conducting Foden's until the National Championships.
I have really admired the sound of British brass bands since I played the tuba in junior high school. Among them, "Harrison's Dream" was one of my favourite pieces. This year, the piece is the test piece for the first time in 24 years! I felt, what a blessing! I have enjoyed "Harrison's Dream" many times in these 10 days! And with the sound of the super brass band, Foden's.
I conducted two pieces at the Regent Hall concert the day before the National Championships. The pieces were "The Roots of Heaven" by Malcolm Arnold arr. Neil E Richmond and "With Fire and Sword" by Peter Graham.
From the first rehearsal, Foden’s welcomed me like family and immediately picked up on my music. But those two songs were not the only ones that moved me. They performed hymns as a routine before rehearsals. I was moved, this is a British brass band! I was originally planning to play only one hymn before the rehearsal, but I was so moved that I added another one on the spot.”
The concert was a whirlwind!
So continued: “We arrived at the hall 30 minutes before the performance started. There was no rehearsal, so it was straight to the performance! But they were perfect. I will never forget that moment with the almost full audience. And of course I can't forget them in the Championship, I was so impressed it brought me to tears! Making my UK debut with them, and with a traditional British brass band, is a diamond in my heart and my life!
Finally, I would like to thank the Brass Band Conducting Association, Maestro Russell Gray, the Foden's family, and everyone who was involved for giving me this opportunity.”
Thank you!
So Matsukawa
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Photo credit: Angus Gray