It was a cold, wet, blustery, typical late-winter day when I set off to Gatwick airport to pick up one of the great names in the trumpet-playing world. Leonard Candalaria was visiting the UK – by invitation of James Watson, Head of Brass at the Royal Academy of Music, and Edwards UK – to play recitals and share his wealth of knowledge with trumpet students in London.

David and Leonard at the Royal Academy of Music

After a long travel day, the following day was spent visiting the fabulous new Trinity College, which is set on the grounds of the old Naval College in the heart of Greenwich on the south bank of the river Thames. Leonard was invited to perform a recital and present a masterclass to about 20 students studying trumpet on the undergraduate course at the college.

The next day sent us to Birmingham to visit David Purser, Head of Brass at the Birmingham Conservatoire. As part of the college's recruitment day, Leonard was invited to an informal lunch to meet students who had been offered places at the college for the next academic year. After introducing himself to the students and chatting with many of them about their education, Leonard performed a recital. As was to become the norm, Leonard performed with great panache and educated the audience with his knowledge of the music he was performing.

Next on the agenda was Cardiff. Chris Mowat, Head of Brass at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, had invited Leonard to the college after chatting to James Watson at the RAM and learning of his reputation as an educator and performer. Before a marathon teaching session, Leonard performed a public recital in the new Sir Geraint Evans Recital Room, part of a new area of the college developed with the financial help of Sir Anthony Hopkins. After a short interview for the British Bandsman Leonard was whisked off to another area of the college to tutor 8 students in private lessons.

After a much needed 2-day break, we arrived in London where Leonard was to spend three days tutoring at the Royal Academy of Music. He spent the time coaching individuals, teaching larger classes, conducting several ensembles before a finale evening recital in the Josefowitz Recital Hall. He performed works by Tartini, Saint-Saëns, Ewazen, Turrin, Peeslee and Mendez throughout his tour.

Leonard spent his final few days sight-seeing in London and catching up with old colleagues. When it was time for Leonard to head back to Birmingham Alabama, I drove him to Gatwick on a cold, wet, blustery, typical late-winter day!

It was an honour for me to be able to spend so much time with Leonard and his wife, Kathryn Fouse. Kathryn performed some piano works and accompanied Leonard for his recitals. I hope that they will be able to return to the UK in the very near future.

-- David Holt