The current European, English and Yorkshire Champions, Black Dyke, have announced that Dr Robert Childs has accepted their invitation to become their new Principal Guest Conductor.

Travel

The former Cory MD will remain in Wales for the time being, but will travel to Yorkshire to rehearse the band for several concerts and help with forthcoming contest preparations.

Bob told 4BR: "I’m delighted with the invitation. The prospect of working with Nick and Black Dyke is mouth-watering as I was a member of the band for ten very happy and successful years."

Wonderful

The Director of Music, Dr Nicholas Childs is equally excited by the appointment, as he added: "It will be wonderful to be working with Bob, who brings immense experience and musical talent to enhance Black Dyke's creative team."

It will be wonderful to be working with Bob, who brings immense experience and musical talent to enhance Black Dyke's creative teamDr Nicholas Childs

Successful

As a leading member of that Queensbury creative team, Professor Philip Wilby commented: "When I first went to the Black Dyke bandroom 22 years ago, Bob was the most awesome solo euphonium player, and I composed my Concerto for him to play.

Since then he has developed into one of the most successful conductors at the world's greatest competitions, and to have secured his services is a wonderful tribute to Black Dyke, who are currently at the very top of their game."

Debut

It has been confirmed that Robert Childs will make his first official appearance with the band at the Symphony Hall the day after the British Open. Nicholas Childs will conduct the massed bands of Black Dyke and Cory on the same day.