Les Neish

Proof that the tuba, the comedian of the orchestra, is a credible solo instrument abounds in the brilliance of Les Neish

Classical Music Magazine

Les Neish as a soloist

Les Neish has created a career as a soloist, chamber musician and educator with a world-wide reputation. Known for his musicianship, artistry and high level of communication, Les dazzles audiences with fabulous technique and stunning musicianship.

Performing the first solo tuba recital at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester and the first and only tuba player to be awarded the Worshipful Company of Dyers Award at the Royal Overseas League Competition, Les has always pushed the boundaries. His 3 solo releases, Salt of the Earth, Shine and Affinity have won numerous awards including Brass Band World, British Bandsman, 4barsrest.com Solo CD of the Year and the prestigious Roger Bobo Award in Recording Excellence from the International Tuba Euphonium Association.

Les Neish as part of the band

Away from solo performance Les is part of the tuba section of the American based, Brass Band of Battle Creek and as a chamber musician is a member of the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble, a group with a 30 year history having performed in over 60 countries. He has performed with orchestras throughout the UK, including the Halle, RTE Concert, RTE Symphony, Ulster Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra.

As a tutor

Alongside his performing commitments Les holds teaching positions at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Trinity Laban, Royal Northern College of Music and Liverpool University. He has presented master classes at Sydney Conservatory, UMKC Conservatory, Kansas City, Royal Academy of Music, London and many more prestigious institutions throughout the world.

He has served as tutor for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, Scotland, Wales and Switzerland and has given performances throughout the UK, Europe, USA, South America, Japan and Australia. He is also part of the board of the International Tuba Euphonium Association.

Performing exclusively on Besson tubas, Les is delighted to have been an Endorser for the Besson and Buffet-Crampon brands. A relationship that is now over 20 years.

For more info, please visit www.tuba-artist.com.

Les Neish joins the Groningen Brass Experience as a juror at the DOBC on June 14 and guest soloist at the Ommeland Concerts on June 15