GARETH Small is trumpeting a forthcoming concert by the Halle Brass ahead of the group’s first performance in Knutsford.

Gareth, from Knutsford, is Principal Trumpet with the Halle Orchestra, which is performing at The Courthouse on Sunday, June 24 at 4pm, as part of the Knutsford Music Festival.

Hallé Brass is a quintet of two trumpets, trombone, French horn and tuba, and consists of members of the Hallé Orchestra and guests. It has performed and given masterclasses all over the world.

Gareth said: “Next month’s concert will be the first time Hallé Brass has performed in Knutsford, and we intend to perform a varied programme of all types of musical styles, showcasing the musicianship and musicality of the orchestra’s instrumentalists.

“We like our concerts to be quite informal, and encourage any questions that the audience might have for us.

"I'm really looking forward to performing in The Courthouse - it's a fantastic building.

“As professional musicians with the Hallé Orchestra we perform all over the country, and have toured extensively throughout Europe, China, Japan, US and South America.”

Gareth also works with other ensembles all over the country, and teaches trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music and Chethams School of Music in Manchester and the Royal Academy of Music in London.

He started playing the cornet aged seven and was taught by his father Tony.

When growing up in Swansea he played for Penclawdd Brass Band, West Glamorgan Youth Music ensembles, the National Youth Brass Band and National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

Gareth studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and joined the Hallé Orchestra in 1993.

He is also a member of London Brass, and has performed as guest Principal Trumpet with most of Britain's orchestras, including the LSO, ENO, Philharmonia, London Sinfonietta, BBC Symphony, BBC Philharmonic and BBC NOW.

He was soloist in association with the famous Black Dyke Brass Band in 2016, and won the soloist prize at the European Brass Band championship with them that year.

Gareth has played on more than 100 TV adverts, and can be heard on numerous movie soundtracks including Star Wars The Force Awakens, Return Of The King, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and most recently Victoria and Abdul and Bright.

Readers have the chance to win a family ticket – up to two adults and two children - to see the Halle Brass and Royal Northern College of Music Zerbina Duo on Sunday, June 24 at 4pm at The Courthouse.

To enter the competition answer the following question - which instrument is the largest and lowest-pitched musical instrument in the brass family – trumpet, trombone or tuba?

Email your answers to ian.ross@nqnw.co.uk by Friday, June 1, with your name, address and contact phone details. The winner will be chosen at random from correct answers, and usual Newsquest rules apply.

Tickets for the concert are available from the Knutsford Town Council offices in Toft Road.