The City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) organisation has certainly enjoyed a successful summer.

Sell out

A sell out gala concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff was followed by their M1 and M2 bands claiming podium prizes at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Denbigh.

Meanwhile, four young players performed with the National Youth Band of Wales on their annual course, whilst the band also announced the appointment of Composer in Residence Dave Collins and the commissioning of a new work to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Senghenydd mining disaster.

Talented quartet

Trombone players Josh Herman and Rowan Hunter and percussionists Heledd Gwynant and Sam Herman proudly performed with the National Youth Band in concerts under the baton of Stephen Cobb at the Fishguard International Music Festival and Aberystwyth Musicfest.

I’m so proud of them. Each one is an exceptionally strong musician and brings a great deal to the band. I’m really pleased they have been able to show off their talents on a national stageMD, Gareth Ritter

Proud

M1 conductor Gareth Ritter told 4BR: "I’m so proud of them. Each one is an exceptionally strong musician and brings a great deal to the band. I’m really pleased they have been able to show off their talents on a national stage."

The quartet returned home just in time for the National Eisteddfod, with City of Cardiff M2 becoming Second Section ‘National’ champion, and M1 just missing out on making it a hat trick of ‘National’ wins.

Mining anniversary

Later in the year, the anniversary of the Senghenydd disaster will be commemorated by the senior M1 Band through the performance of a work sponsored by Ty Cerdd and written by Bangor based composer Owain Llwyd, with lyrics by Emyr Edwards.

The band will be joined by a children’s choir to perform the work on 9th November.