A FORMER Ipswich pupil has been named among the country's best conductors.Adrian Brown was one of a duo of golden ex pupils of Northgate Grammar school along with ex Royal Shakespeare Company head, director Sir Trevor Nunn.

A FORMER Ipswich pupil has been named among the country's best conductors.

Adrian Brown, (above), was one of a duo of golden ex-pupils of Northgate Grammar school along with ex-Royal Shakespeare Company head, director Sir Trevor Nunn.

Today 53-year-old Mr Brown, who lives in London, praised his Northgate music teacher and mentor, John Parry, who still lives in Ivry Street.

Mr Brown, who grew up in Felix Road, now works as a freelance conductor all over the world in countries including the Philippines and Russia.

But he still finds time to come home to Suffolk to conduct the Suffolk Youth Orchestra, Waveney Sinfonia and the Trianon Music Group.

He said: "Getting the award gave me a great thrill as does conducting. I consider working with young people a great privilege and a wonderful experience. Having my parents in Suffolk gives me a great excuse to come back."

The 53-year-old who studied violin at the Royal Academy under Sir Adrian Boult after he left the Sidegate Lane West school, was nominated for the Red F award given to 100 musicians around the country to mark Classic FM's 10th anniversary.

He works regularly with many of the country's leading orchestras including the BBC Symphony and the London Sinfonietta.

Mr Brown was commended for 30 years of outstanding contribution to classical music.