Yu-Han Yang wins Jeju International Brass Prize

Euphonium player Yu-Han Yang has won the prestigious Jeju International Brass Competition in Korea. The Tredegar Band’s principal player gave a fantastic performance of Philip Wilby’s 'Euphonium Concerto' to win the ,000 first prize. Yu-Han is in excellent company with past winners including: Glenn Van Looy, Bastien Baumet, Lilian Meurin and Gilles Rocha who have won the event since it was first held in 2000. The second prize of ,000 was awarded to Belgian Lorenz Havermans with Yuki Yamazaki  receiving ,000 for third place.

Yu-Han won his way to the 2020 final after impressing the international panel of adjudicators with 58 competitors from across the musical world entered for round one. Following a second round for 20 competitors, just 3 were selected for the live final performances of the Wilby with the Jeju Symphony Orchestra. Commenting on his victory Yu-Han stated, "I am very pleased of course, especially as I was the first Taiwanese euphonium player to reach the final. I hope this will help inspire more euphonium players. It is becoming a very popular solo instrument with fantastic repertoire to play such as the Wilby Concerto. It's a fantastic work."

"My thanks go to everyone involved in the event this year, as to put it on was a great achievement itself. The feedback and congratulations I've had from around the world and starting at Tredegar has been incredible and shows just how important this competition is. Becoming part of the Besson Artist set up has also given me a huge boost of confidence and shows that my hard work is being recognised. I would love to be able to record the piece with the band when we return to playing in the future."

Ian Porthouse added his congratulations, "Everyone at the band and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where he studies is delighted to congratulate Yu-Hang on this wonderful success. He is an exceptional talent and someone who has quickly become such a popular member of the band and on his course. We can't wait to see him back in the bandroom and start planning on recording with him."

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