Country

:

Australia

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Manchester, England. Founded in 1973, the ensemble has become one of the most respected wind orchestras in the world, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra was established by conductor Timothy Reynish, who served as the ensemble's first director. Reynish had previously founded the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain and was a leading figure in the development of wind music in the UK. He saw the potential for a wind orchestra at the Royal Northern College of Music, which had a strong wind and brass department, and set about creating the ensemble. The founding members of the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra were drawn from the college's student body, with auditions held to select the most talented wind and percussion players. The ensemble quickly established a reputation for excellence, with its first performance taking place in 1974 at the Royal Northern College of Music. Over the years, the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra has featured many outstanding musicians, including some who have gone on to become leading figures in the classical music world. Notable alumni of the ensemble include clarinetist Michael Collins, oboist Nicholas Daniel, and conductor Mark Heron. One of the highlights of the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra's history was its performance at the 1984 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) conference in Manchester. The ensemble was selected to represent the UK at the conference, which brought together wind orchestras from around the world. The Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra's performance was widely praised, and it helped to establish the ensemble's international reputation. In addition to its performance at the WASBE conference, the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra has given many other notable performances over the years. The ensemble has toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe, performing at major concert halls and festivals. It has also collaborated with many leading composers and soloists, including John Adams, Michael Nyman, and Evelyn Glennie. The Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra has also been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In 1993, the ensemble won the prestigious Sudler Shield, which is awarded annually to the top wind band in the world. The Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra was the first UK ensemble to win the award, and it remains one of only a handful of non-US ensembles to have received the honor. In addition to the Sudler Shield, the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra has won many other awards and competitions over the years. These include the BBC Radio 3 Young Artists Forum, the European Broadcasting Union's New Talent Competition, and the Tokyo International Wind Band Competition. Today, the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra continues to be a leading force in the world of wind music. The ensemble is directed by Clark Rundell, who has been its conductor since 2000. Under Rundell's leadership, the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra has continued to push the boundaries of wind music, commissioning new works and collaborating with leading composers and soloists.

More....