Guest Conductor for Appalachian Spring

Join the River City Brass Band in welcoming James Gourlay as guest conductor for its March 2010 concerts, Appalachian Spring.

James Gourlay was born in Scotland where, at the age of ten, he was ‘volunteered’ to play in his school brass band. Being tallest in class, he was serendipitously given the tuba, an instrument he loves and continues to promote all over the world.

After much success as a solo champion, James entered the Royal College of Music but left after a short time to become, at eighteen, the Principal Tuba of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Four years later, he took up the same position with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, with which he worked for ten years. He then performed for a further ten years with the Orchestra of the Zürich Opera.

James’s career as a chamber musician and soloist continues to flourish. He has been a member of the Philip Jones and English Brass Ensembles with which he has toured the world and as a soloist, continues to performs extensively. He has recorded five solo CDs, the latest, British Tuba Concertos, recorded for the Naxos label, with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, received international critical acclaim.

Gourlay’s work within the Brass Band movement forms a vital component of his creative output. After early success with the Brass Band Berneroberland, he became music director of the Williams Fairey Band with which he won the English Masters and British Open Contests. James has also been professional conductor of the Grimethorpe Colliery and the Brighouse and Rastrick bands and is currently guest conductor of the Brass Band Treize Etoiles, with which he has won the Swiss National Championships, the Swiss Open Championships, and second place at the European, as well as the World Brass Band Championships.

James Gourlay’s commitment to music education is a continuing passion. He has been Head of Wind and Percussion at the Royal Northern College of Music and Deputy Principal and Music Director at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Salford University, a Masters Degree from Leeds University, a Fellowship of the Royal Northern College of Music, a Fellowship of the London College of Music and is a recipient of the Henry Iles Medal, presented by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for services to the Brass Band Movement. Currently, James is International Vice President of the International Tuba and Euphonium Association and Director of Music of the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

"There is no more powerful advocate for the tuba as a solo instrument than James Gourlay" — BBC Radio 3

The River City Brass Band is proud to return for its 2010 Spring Concert Series.

Spring Series

Appalachian Spring

March 3 - 16

Experience the pure, beautiful Appalachian music tradition that has remained unchanged over many generations. Join the River City Brass Band for a concert celebrating this priceless, timeless American folk music legacy. Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring highlights the program which also includes James Curnow’s Appalachian Mountain Folk Song Suite, a few Stephen Foster favorites, and some forgotten classics.

Close Enough for Jazz

April 7 -18

Join the River City Brass Band for a trip down memory lane with a show featuring many of the best tunes from the jazz, swing, and big-band songbooks. A perennial audience favorite, this concert is a must-see.

Cirque Du Brass Band

April 29 - May 13

Run away with the River City Brass Band to the golden age of the circus when there was a brass band under every big top. Step right up and hear the greatest music from the greatest show on Earth.