The euphonium played a key part in the brass band movement of the mid-19th century due to its playability, affordability and ease of mass production. The historical lack of original compositions for euphonium was made up for with a wide variety of transcriptions. Virtuoso embraces this heritage in a celebration of the instrument’s unique depth and versatility. The renowned virtuoso, David Childs, is united with the legendary Black Dyke Band in a collection of classical and contemporary repertoire that ranges from much-loved traditional songs to dazzling showpieces.

Euphonium virtuoso, David Childs, is regarded as one of the finest brass musicians of his generation. He has appeared as soloist with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru, DCINY Symphony and BBC Philharmonic; made solo appearances at the Singapore International Festival, Welsh Proms, Harrogate International Festival among others. David Childs was featured on our album of Peter Graham’s Force of Nature (8574563), about which the American Record Guide commented that ‘you might never hear a euphonium player as technically dazzling as David Childs.’

The Black Dyke Band holds the highest rank in the worldwide brass band community. It has continued to win significant competitions under its music director, Nicholas Childs, and in 2015 the band became European Champion Band for the 13th time – in 2014 the band, for the 30th time, was declared British Open Champions. The band has also been National Champion of Great Britain on 23 occasions. In 2009, and again in 2011, 2012 and 2013, it became Champion Band at the English National Championships.

Nicholas Childs has achieved the highest international reputation as a performer, teacher, conductor, interpreter and advocate of new music, and producer of pace-setting recordings. His current tenure as principal conductor and music director of Black Dyke Band has been marked with continued contest success, including the British Open, and National and European Brass Band Championships. Further acclaim has come for his many innovative concerts and world premieres. His recordings with Black Dyke Band have been heralded as the very best in the brass band world, winning multiple CD of the Year awards.