Westcombe Brass

Westcombe Brass

Key Facts

Biography

Gwyn Owen, Tom Freeman-Attwood – Trumpet
Ben Hulme – French Horn
Benny Vernon – Trombone
Joe Palmer – Tuba

Other Associated Members: Finlay Bain, Niall Mulvoy, Paul Bosworth, Alex Joyce, Emma Bassett

Westcombe Brass are an exciting and versatile brass quintet based in London. Formed in 2010 the members met at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance where they were all studying. Since then members of the group have gone on to study at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. The group won The Musicians’ Company’s Brass Ensemble Prize in 2016.

Individually the group are successful young professionals, appearing with ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the English National Ballet, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Concert Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Hanover Band, the English Concert, the Chaos Orchestra, the World Youth Orchestra, and many more.

Together they make a dynamic quintet, able to perform works and arrangements spanning hundreds of years, in a variety of different styles. The group keeps a busy diary of recitals, corporate and private events, functions, competitions and educational and outreach work.

In 2015 they reached the final of the prestigious Royal Overseas League Ensemble Competition, where they were also the highest placed brass ensemble in 2014. 2011 saw them become winners of the highly regarded Philip Jones Brass Ensemble competition.

Westcombe Brass are experienced in playing in a variety of different settings at events of all types, including graduations, weddings, functions, festivals and shows, whether they be the main attraction or providing a bespoke musical ambience. Past performances have included work with clients such as ISM and John Lewis. The group have also featured in two regal performances for Her Majesty the Queen; a rousing fanfare for her arrival at the Charles Dickens’ Bicentenary Celebrations at the City of London Guildhall, and upon the Lord Mayor’s vessel for the Diamond Jubilee river pageant.

Westcombe Brass are proud members of the Live Music Now organisation, where they work intensively with special educational needs children and older people in care homes and hospices all across the UK. Additionally, they have a wealth of experience working in schools up and down the country, leading workshops, master classes and demonstrations.

 

Musicians’ Company Award: RAM Brass Ensemble Prize 2016

Page Updated: 2017