David Childs has just returned home after an exhausting few weeks in his busy performing schedule, which included solo performances in New York, Cardiff and Montreux.
Lincoln Centre
Before he caught up with Cory at the European Championships in Switzerland, the euphonium star received rave reviews for his performance of the Karl Jenkins ‘Euphonium Concerto’ at the famous Lincoln Centre in New York – home to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
Honour
It gave him the honour of being the first brass band performer to be featured as a soloist at two of America’s foremost musical venues following his appearance last year at Carnegie Hall.
"It was an amazing experience to play at such an iconic venue," David told 4BR. "The hall was packed and the atmosphere was electrifying, especially as the hard to please New York music critics were there in attendance!"
The hall was packed and the atmosphere was electrifying, especially as the hard to please New York music critics were there in attendance!David Childs
No worry
David need not have worried however as his concerto performance with Birmingham Symphonic Winds conducted by Keith Allen brought a rare ‘5 Star’ review.
One critic described it as, '…a triumph for soloist David Childs delivering a wide variety of intriguing sounds and captivating pyrotechnics...his performance of the Romanza accomplished expressive phrasing, the kind you would hear in song performed by a great tenor...in A Troika? Tidy we heard him play at a speed that even a trumpet player would have difficulty reaching...the audience marvelled at this display.'
Grateful
David told 4BR that he was grateful to Buffet Crampon New York and the New York Staff Band on his visit for allowing him to use their local studios as a rehearsal facility – meaning that he could get over his jet lag by some late night practice.
He added: "I have to thank them both as it meant I could play well into the night without the usual complaints from hotel guests!"
Lindberg concerto
On his return to Wales he was almost immediately back in action as performed with Christian Lindberg and the RWCMD Chamber orchestra in the premiere of Lindberg’s euphonium concerto ‘Olle and the Steamboat Jetty’
David spoke of the honour he felt working with one of his musical heroes: "It was a phenomenal experience to work with Christian. When he invited me to perform his Concerto I didn't want to say no, so making the long trip back from the USA wasn’t a problem."
Swiss flight
The performance did mean however that he couldn’t make the direct flight to Switzerland until the morning of the European Contest in Montreux – although he was thankful that if anything did arise Cory had a fantastic sub in place in the shape of ex Black Dyke star David Thornton.
David added: "As it turned out I did get there with a good few hours to spare, but can't really thank Dave enough. I had a great time playing the solos during the contest, but for me the highlight was definitely playing 'Brillante' as a duet with Dave in the Gala Concert — I think the audience enjoyed it too!"
Relax
And before he finally flew back home, there was still one more enjoyable concert left on his itinerary – a concert in Lucerne.
"It was a great way to finally relax," he said. "All the pressure was off and I had a great time – even getting the chance to hire a motorboat to have a trip around the beautiful lake."
Break
And with a small break in his hectic schedule, David took the time to enjoy a few days back hone in Wales before flying off to Singapore to perform at the Brass Explosion Festival with James Morrison, Scott Hartman, Paul Archibald and James Gourlay – and then back to Switzerland to record a new euphonium Concerto by Jean-Francois Michel.
Only then he hopes, he can enjoy an extended rest. "I’m sure I’ve a holiday coming up soon!" he laughed.
