Besson Horizons: Interview with Matthew Hurst

An Interview with Besson Horizons NYBBGB Representative: Matthew Hurst

2026 marks the third year of the Besson Horizons programme, in partnership with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) and National Jugend Brass Band (NJBB) of Switzerland. This programme aims to connect talented, young musicians from the UK and Switzerland and offer them the opportunity to develop their playing, experience new places and make new friends.

This year's representatives from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are Matthew Hurst (baritone) and Stephanie Jonas (cornet).

In this interview series I've caught up with Stephanie (read here). In this interview I spoke with NYBBGB representative (and Rainford Bandmate) Matthew to talk about his banding journey so far and how he's what this opportunity means to him.

Tell us about your banding journey so far

So, I started out playing the cornet aged 8, whilst in year 4 through wider opportunities at primary school. I really enjoyed it, so I continued playing by joining my local band.

In 2016, I decided to make the switch to baritone; this felt like the perfect switch as the cornet didn't fully feel right for me. In September 2016, I became a member of the Lancashire Youth Brass Band, joining on Second Baritone and quickly progressing up the ranks. I was a member of the band for 8 years, however after leaving, I returned as a young leader with the aim of helping the development of the players coming through the band and giving back to the organisation.

In October 2017, I joined the Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band on Second Baritone, progressing to the Solo Baritone chair following the band's appearance at the Fourth Section National Finals in 2018. Through my time there, I felt like I grew with the band, leading to the band's debut in the Second Section (where we placed 5th) and performing in a First Section contest for the first time in the band's history in my final two years there.

Finally, in 2025, the opportunity came to take up the Solo Baritone seat with the Rainford Band, I felt this was the right move for me and at the perfect time.

What impact has being a member of the NYBBGB had for you as a player?

My first NYBBGB course was in 2022, and it was nerve-wracking at first, however, once I'd settled in, it was a great experience. Across the eight courses I did with the band, I gradually climbed my way up to the baritone section to the Assistant Principal seat. Some highlights of my time with the band were being a part of the inaugural ambassador band, performing Gavin Higgins' Concerto Grosso alongside the National Youth Orchestra, and also performing in the prestigious Harry Mortimer Solo competion in 2024.

I feel like my time with the NYBBGB band contributed to a massive increase in my playing standard. Sitting in a band with so many talented young musicians and the world-class tutors working with us, not only helped me to improve, but it also gave me the drive to be a better player. Through the band I've met so many people and made a lot of friends.

What encouraged you to put yourself forward for the programme?

When the email asking people to apply came through, I read through the information that we'd been given about it and I thought that it was something I might like to do. I also saw photos from people that had been on the exchange in previous years and heard some stories, and I thought that it would be a good experience. I didn't, for one minute, think that I would be selected, but I decided that I was going to apply for it anyway.

How did you feel when you found out that you'd been chosen for the Besson Horizons programme?

So, when I saw the email come through to say I had been selected, I was just sat at home, revising for my university exams. At first, all I read was 'Besson Horizons exhange programme, successful application.' I was absolutely shocked (in a good way), as I had absolutely no expectation to be chosen for this - I was absolutely speechless!

After reading the whole email, it went from shock to excitement.

What excites you most about taking part in the Besson Horizons programme?

I'm really looking forward to meeting the members of the NJBB and making music together on the course, whilst being an ambassador for the NYBBGB and British banding.

I'm also excited to visit a new country. I've never been to Switzerland before, but looking at the photos, it looks like a lovely place!

Do you have any particular musical goals you hope to achieve in Switzerland?

As usual, I hope to improve my playing and continue to learn from the other players and tutors on the course.

As with all NYBBGB courses, I am looking forward to exploring new repertoire that may not be as common in the UK and potentially being introduced to composers whose work I haven't played before.

What do you think young brass musicians can gain from experiencing brass banding in another country?

Making connections with other people in a different country, who share the same interests, through using music as a universal communicator that transcends any language barrier.

Is there anything non-music related that you're looking forward to experiencing in Switzerland?

The scenery, culture and traditions and, of course, the food - I've heard the cheese is good!

What is one non-negotiable thing (other than your instrument) that you have to take with you on your trip?

Providing I remember to bring all of the necessities, the one non-negotiable I have to bring is Google translate! Having said that, I have started to learn German on Duolingo, so we'll see how that goes!

What's one piece of guidance you'd offer to someone hoping to join the programme in the future?

Don't doubt yourself - you can't be selected if you don't apply, so just go for it!

Nothing to lose. Everything to gain.

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