Besson Horizons International Musical Exchange 2026
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, the Nationale Jugend Brass Band (NJBB) of Switzerland and Besson Brass have announced the Besson Horizons 2026 international musical exchange. Now in its third year, this programme connects talented young musicians from the UK and Switzerland, giving them the chance to broaden their musical horizons, develop their performance skills and build lasting friendships.
This year’s participants are:
NYBBGB: Matthew Hurst (baritone) and Stephanie Jonas (cornet)
NJBB: Orianne Moren (flugel horn) and Tobias Rüedi (percussion)
In July Matthew and Stephanie will travel to Switzerland to join the 51st NJBB A-Band in Huttwil, led by renowned conductor Jean‑François Bobillier and joined by percussionist Stéphane Bertin from Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan.
The folllowing month, in August, Orianne and Tobias will come to the UK for The NYBBGB summer course at Taunton School, led by Lt Col Lauren Petritz-Watts, Principal Director of Music (Army). The course will culminate in The NYBBGB 2026 Summer Concert at The Forum, Bath on 8th August, featuring world-renowned tuba player Sérgio Carolino as guest soloist.
These four musicians bring incredible talent and experience to the exchange, from national solo prizes to leadership roles in top youth bands. The programme is a fantastic way to explore different brass band traditions, learn from world-class conductors and soloists, and make connections across borders.
The NYBBGB, the NJBB and Besson are proud to continue supporting the next generation of international brass band musicians. A spokesperson for the initiative stated, “We wish this year’s participants every success and an incredible musical journey!”
