Brass Bands England was honoured to present one of Britain’s most flamboyant and charismatic conductors, Richard Evans, with the 2021 Brass Bands England Lifetime Achievement Award at Leyland Band’s Patrons’ Concert held at Chorley Town Hall on Sunday 13th March.
Referred to fondly as the ‘Bruce Forsyth of Brass Bands’, he’s been there, done it, written the book and got the t-shirt. He was a founder member of the NYBBGB in 1952 and is ‘Still Beating’, inspiring confidence from 4th section to Championship bands.
Since his early days conducting Leyland Richard soon realised the importance of entertaining audiences with slick visual presentations to match the quality of playing and Leyland’s emergence raised the bar. Cravats! White dinner jackets!
International tours to USA and Japan spread the word and they showed how it could be done, changing the way amateur bands performed ‘professionally’.
As a player, conductor and adjudicator he has influenced all aspects of banding. Helping lower section bands and youth bands has had an impact on many players, who would not normally benefit from such experienced tuition.
Directing other genres of music such as Opera and Choral Societies has given Richard a wealth of experience. This, along with getting performers on board, produces inspiring results at all levels, and his enthusiasm is contagious.
A great communicator and educator, who makes every rehearsal and performance memorable for players and audiences. Having been around brass bands for longer than most (!), he has benefitted by being in the company of ‘greats’ such as HM. There is no-one else quite like him. Once seen, never forgotten. He is a true asset to the brass band world.
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Brass Band England Awards across various categories. To find out more and make a nomination visit bbe.org.uk/awards