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In his show on Wednesday 5 October presenter Frank Renton announced that the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 Young Brass Awards will now be expanded from one to three awards in order to fully reflect the talent and achievements of young brass players from around the UK.

The three will then perform in a showcase event which provides a platform for young musicians who have strived to reach the highest standards, both individually and collectively.

The three Young Brass Awards 2012 categories are Youth Band, Soloist (Under 18) and Soloist (18-21 years).

In recognition of receiving the award in their category, the recipients – who will be announced by Frank Renton in Listen To The Band – will take part in a performance at a special concert taking place at the Royal Northern College of Music's Festival of Brass on 29 January 2012 which will be broadcast on Radio 2 shortly afterwards.

Previously, there has been just one recipient of the Young Brass Soloist Award, but for 2012 a panel of experts with significant reputations in the brass field will select a youth band and two soloists whose contribution over the previous 12 months has been outstanding. They will receive the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 Young Brass Award 2012 in each of the separate categories.

Additionally, at the RNCM Festival of Brass concert the panel will also name one overall recipient of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 Young Brass Award 2012, and this soloist or band will be given a further performance opportunity on Radio 2.

Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming for Radio 2, says: "The Young Brass Soloist Award has long been an important part of Radio 2's musical year. Its expansion to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 Young Brass Awards this year, honouring not one but three musicians, exemplifies the station's ongoing commitment to supporting the vibrant brass band music scene in the UK."

The RNCM Festival of Brass concert will be a unique celebration of brass music played and written by young stars of today. As well as the Award recipients' performances, it will feature a variety of pieces, including one by the recent ´óÏó´«Ã½ Young Musician of the Year, trombonist Peter Moore. The Royal Northern College of Music's own Brass Band will be conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs, Music Director of the Black Dyke Band, and one of the College's own very talented conducting students.

Paul Hindmarsh, RNCM Festival of Brass Artistic Director, says: "We are honoured to support the Radio 2 Young Brass Awards 2012 and be a part of this fantastic event."

Radio 2 is the UK's most listened-to radio station, with a weekly reach of 13.97m listeners. The network covers a diverse and rich mix from social action campaigns to religious programming, live concerts to the arts. The station broadcasts an unrivalled range of music covering many genres, from soul to organ music, show tunes to rhythm and blues. Committed to music, the Radio 2 Young Brass Awards is one of the year's highlights, alongside the Radio 2 Young Chorister Of The Year Award and the Radio 2 Folk Awards.

The producer is Terry Carter for the ´óÏó´«Ã½.

KA