It has been a very busy few weeks for percussion star Gavin Pritchard.

World premiere

He was recently invited to perform as guest soloist with the Maidstone Wind Symphony where he performed the world premiere of Andrew Baker’s ‘Kopanitsa for Percussion and Concert Band’, as well as Alfred Reed’s ‘Concertino for Marimba’ and works by Guy Gautheraux and Nebojsa Zivkovic.

Masterclasses

Less than a week later he was in Caernarfon for the ‘Hit the Dock’ festival where he was asked to provide a high profile percussion workshop to compliment ones given Dewi Ellis Jones and Dame Evelyn Glennie.

The increase in his musical activities has meant that he has reluctantly announced his departure from Welsh champions Cory.

I’ve enjoyed several very happy and successful years and many memorable concerts, tours and contests with the band. I would like to thank Bob and the guys and wishes them all the best for the futureGavin Pritchard

Memorable

He told 4BR: "I’ve enjoyed several very happy and successful years and many memorable concerts, tours and contests with the band. I would like to thank Bob and the guys and wishes them all the best for the future."

New business

Meanwhile, Gavin has also set up his own percussion business importing and selling Bergerault, AJAX and Black Swamp Percussion instruments, which he has called GP Percussion based in South Wales.

Gavin is now looking forward to attending the British Open in September as a spectator for the first time ever, and has several solo performances & masterclasses in the pipeline planned for later in the year.