Press Quotes and Testimonials

 

".....David Thornton can take credit as one of the most innovative soloists performing in brass banding today."

Brass Band World

 

 "Thornton's technique, to be frank, is superb but more than that, it is guided by a deep understanding and love for the music and for his instrument......Lovers of fine brass playing will find much to enjoy here. If you have never heard the euphonium as a solo instrument before, Thornton will convince you as few others can."

Music-Web International

 

"David has helped raise the professional attitude in the bands performance, both musically and visually. His outstanding musical talent has inspired all of our young musicians, and in particular he has nurtured our soloists to perform way beyond their expectations......."

Nigel Birch, Musical Director, Lions Youth Band

 

 "....David Thornton displayed all his wares with a sublime piece of euphonium work in the ‘Devil's Duel' which saw him dispense with all the musical challengers that tried to upstage him in battle throughout the piece – you would have had to kill him with a stake through the heart you suspected such was his brilliance, whilst someone may have to check that he hasn't got cloven hooves instead of feet the next time he plays the piece like this. Not even old Beelzebub could better this one suspects."

4barsrest.com

 

"David is a delight to work with and has a very warm and patient personality, so essential when coaching young players. His prodigious musicianship is inspirational, which raises the aspirations of our entire band when he works with us."

Don Collins, Chairman, Youth Brass 2000

 

"David Thornton...gave a positively amazing performance of my euphonium concerto...Thornton is now the third generation of players who have joined the 'inner circle' of my favourites." 

Joseph Horovitz, Composer


"The star turn for the band was the man regarded as the worlds best euphonium player, Englishman David Thornton. Compere Rodney Bryant hailed the lad from Manchester as the 'Beckham of brass'...Thornton played with perfect technical and musical control. His dazzling technique was to the fore...though never at the expense of musicianship."

Mike Crean, The Press, Christchurch


"David Thornton is that rare kind of musician - a true artist whose qualities transcend the instrument itself. The listener is carried out of normal music-making into the wide open spaces of real enjoyment."

Howard Snell, Conductor, former principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra


"...Thank you again for your wonderful playing in my Concertino. I very much appreciated your fine musicality and perfection of tuning and tone quality."

Marco Putz, Composer