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The historic barn at Kelmscott Manor, near Lechlade, is venue for another in the popular series of Young Musicians’ Platform Concerts.

The summer home of William Morris, poet, designer, craftsman and socialist, Kelmscott Manor provides a beautiful backdrop to this concert by Castle Brass, a quintet from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Winners of the 2009 Brass Chamber Prize at the RWCMD, this talented ensemble is offering a mouthwatering programme, embracing Quintets by Malcolm Arnold and Victor Ewald, Gustav Holst’s 2^nd Suite, various arrangements from West Side Story, one of Chris Hazell’s ‘Brass Cats Series’ and much more.

As well as receiving individual tuition from principals of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Castle Brass enjoys collective schooling from Christoher Mowat, former trombonist with the Phillip Jones Brass Ensemble. Castle Brass recently worked with Christopher to produce a concert of Handel’s music at St Hilary’s Church, Cowbridge.

“The aim of the group is to play a wide variety of music to demonstrate the versatility of Brass and  to promote Brass music and take it to a wider audience”, commented Sion Tansey, tuba player with Castle Brass. “The quintet is also currently working to produce a programme for educational purposes in order to introduce classical music to young children through a scheme called Outreach”.

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £6 for children and students in full time education, the price including a free glass of wine or juice. Advance booking is recommended. The venue has no heating, so you may wish to bring an extra jumper – and a cushion! The Manor house will not be open for viewing coinciding with this event.