A NEW musical maestro has taken over at the helm of the world's oldest band.

Besses o' th' Barn Band began performing in 1818 and today rehearses in Moss Lane, Whitefield, nourishing the talents of scores of musicians and performing to adoring fans locally, nationally and internationally.

Taking the reins as musical director and principal conductor is Simon Cowen, who is principal trombonist of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO).

The 42-year-old has played with all the major UK symphony orchestras, including the City of Birmingham Symphony, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the London Symphony Orchestra.

He has performed under the baton of famous conductors such as the late Sir Charles Groves, Sir Simon Rattle and the late Carlo Maria Giulini.

Mr Cowan was also principal trombone with Black Dyke, Fairey's and Yorkshire Building Society brass bands for many years.

He has also performed with bands such as Elbow, who are from Bury, and the Beautiful South, and has played on many film and television soundtracks.

"I am delighted with this appointment. It is an absolute privilege and a real honour to be working with one of my all-time favourite brass bands," said Mr Cowen.

He continued: "The history of the band itself is quite incredible and I remember enjoying listening to them as a youngster and becoming a big fan.

"It is going to be a very exciting year with the band as we work towards their 200th anniversary, with many concerts in the schedule.

"The atmosphere in the band room is simply fantastic and the dedication from each player is to be highly commended.

"I am very excited about a very happy future with this fabulous band."

The band's chairman David Hodgkinson said: "The entire band is thrilled to have someone of Simon's huge musical talent and experience.

"We are confident that with Simon at the helm we shall sail into the future on top form and celebrate our bicentenary in 2018 with renewed vigour and enthusiasm."

The band is on the lookout for new brass and percussion players. for details: call Dr Yaakov Wise on 0161 720 9588 or e-mail yaakovwise@aol.com