Pro Platform: Ken Young

One of New Zealand’s leading orchestral composers, Ken Young, started playing euphonium with Woolston Band and went on to be principal tuba with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) for 25 years until 2001, before launching a conducting career in Australasia, Japan and Europe, as well as a composing career. Recently signed by Experianza Music, he has also penned a substantial catalogue for band.

What first interested you in brass bands and their sound?
My father was a very good cornet player and my older brother played baritone, so bands were part of my environment from the beginning…

Read this interview in full, featured in October 2017’s BBW, by subscribing to BBW Digital. Alternatively, subscribe to the printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World)