Cornet player wins 2024 Conn-Selmer Europe Scholarship

Instrument manufacturer Conn-Selmer Europe has announced that cornet player Harry Porthouse has been chosen to receive its 2024 Scholarship. As winner of the scholarship, Porthouse receives a bursary, as well as an instrument loan and a place on Conn-Selmer’s artist roster.

Porthouse has chosen a Bach Stradivarius 184L Bb Cornet in Silver as his instrument of choice for the scholarship period (he will have the opportunity to buy the instrument at ‘Artist price’ during his scholarship). Launched in 2022, the scholarship programme is designed to provide financial support and professional development opportunities to young artists.

Conn-Selmer Europe’s European vice president Charles Bozon said: ‘We are proud and delighted to continue our scholarship programme to support the UK’s finest upcoming young musicians. I congratulate Harry, who has selected a Bach Stradivarius 184L Bb Cornet in Silver as his instrument of choice for the coming year, and we’re excited to see where his musical journey takes him. We will not only support Harry with his instrument of choice, but also offer continuous assistance and access to tuition and mentorship from Conn-Selmer artists, to help him develop a career as a professional musician.’

Porthouse receives the scholarship in recognition of his ‘outstanding talent and dedication to brass music’. Currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, Porthouse began his musical journey at 15 with the Tredegar Band, has been a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and was recently appointed principal cornet with the Rothwell Temperance band.