
Les Neish
Tuba soloist from Wales
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 the real essence of music making: fun.
As the first tuba player to be awarded the Worshipful Company of Dyers Award at the Royal Overseas League Competition and performing the first solo tuba recital at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, Les has always pushed the boundaries, leading him to a performance at Millennium Park, Chicago and recording with pop star Sting. 2018 will see a partnership with the Black Dyke Brass Band as Soloist in Association, following on from Gareth Small and Peter Moore of the Hallé and London Symphony orchestras respectively.
His solo album Salt of the Earth received Brass Band World, British Bandsman and 4barsrest.com Solo CD of the Year Awards, with the follow-up CD Shine awarded the prestigious Roger Bobo Award in Recording Excellence from the International Tuba Euphonium Association. Away from solo performance, Les is part of the tuba section of the world famous, 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.
Alongside his international travel, Les is tuba tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music, RNCM Junior School, Salford University and Birmingham Conservatoire. He has also given masterclasses at the Trinity College and Royal Academy of Music, London.
He has served as tutor on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, Scotland, Wales and Switzerland. With a real passion for education, Les has performed workshops and classes throughout the UK, Europe, USA, South America and Australia.
The highly successful design for his Alliance Signature Line tuba mouthpiece is a best-seller for both bands and orchestras.