The reigning British Open and Welsh Area champion Cory has announced the appointment of Philip Harper as their new Musical Director.

Delighted

Philip told 4BR: "I'm delighted to be taking up the challenge of leading such a superb band into a new era. I conducted Cory in some recent concerts where the virtuosity, musicality and workrate of all the players was extremely impressive.

I'm pleased to have been able to accept the band's offer of the post of Musical Director, and I have set several new aims for the band in the next few years."

Relinquishing post

He continued: "My appointment means that I will be relinquishing my Professional Conductor's position at Tongwynlais Temperance — a partnership which has lasted four years and resulted in the First Section National title, the Pontin's and Scottish Open titles, and qualification for the British Open and National Finals for the first time in the band's long history.

I wish the band much more success in the years ahead and thank them all for four great years of banding."

We've all been impressed with the work Philip has done recently with us, and had no hesitation in offering him the Musical Director's jobCory Band Chairman Austin Davies

Impressed

Speaking on behalf of the Cory, Band Manager Austin Davies added: "We've all been impressed with the work Philip has done recently with us, and had no hesitation in offering him the Musical Director's job. We're now looking forward to many more years of continued success for the band under Philip's baton."

Philip's first official engagement will be a concert at the Ipswich Corn Exchange Theatre on 16th June.

Tongwynlais thanks

Meanwhile, Tongwynlais Temperance has thanked Philip for the role he has played in their resurgence in recent years.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Phil has played a pivotal role with the band during his four year tenure and has led us to become First Section National Champion, securing promotion into the Championship Section, the Pontins and Scottish Open titles as well as countless concerts and programmes in his own idiosyncratic style!

As a result we are now firmly placed as one of Wales's premier champion section bands."

Business as usual

Band Chairman, Jason Bevan told 4BR: "We wish to publicly thank Phil for his commitment, dedication and drive and wish him well for the future as he pursues the new opportunity ahead of him."

4BR understands that the National finalists will now take time to search for a replacement and an announcement will be made in due course.

As Jason added: "It’s business as usual as we have a busy summer concert schedule ahead of us."