The British Open title has been won for the second time in four years by Tredegar, after they produced a stunning performance of Stephen Roberts’s ‘Arabian Nights — Fantasy on Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherazade for Brass Band’ at Symphony Hall.
Fantasy rendition
Under the direction of Ian Porthouse they added to their 2010 success by claiming the most famous trophy in the banding world with an almost ‘fantasy’ rendition of the test piece – one that drew the richest of praise from the trio of adjudicators.
"Absolutely incredible!!!" wrote composer Stephen Roberts. "I am overcome with how well you played it – unbelievable playing!! That was a truly great performance."
Meanwhile, fellow judge David Read MBE added, "I was only pleased I have heard it and feel honoured – thank you".
Rob Wiffin stated — "Truly a stunning performance – great playing and masterly direction," as the Welsh band recaptured the huge Gold Shield off the number 8 draw, as well as clean sweep of the trio of individual solo awards.
Soprano player Ian Roberts won the Brian Evans Memorial Trophy, with solo euphonium Daniel Thomas claiming the Geoffrey Whitham Award. The Stanley Wainwright ‘Best Soloist’ Trophy went to the band’s principal cornet Dewi Griffiths.
Unbelievable feeling
Tredegar’s MD, Ian Porthouse was almost lost for words as he clutched his second Mortimer Maestro Trophy as the winning conductor.
"It was just an unbelievable feeling as we came towards the end of the piece," he finally revealed to 4BR. "The emotion was just pouring through the band, although the control and discipline they also showed was amazing."
He added: "It is the finest performance I have ever conducted – and on this occasion it is one time you truly say I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the players – they were simply brilliant."
Pushed
The reception given by the knowledgeable Symphony Hall audience spoke volumes for what they heard.
It was a reaction that was only matched following Cory’s magnificent effort as the European champion pushed their rivals all the way to the finishing line as the penultimate band of a long but highly enjoyable contest day.
According to the judges, they also produced the other ‘absolutely stunning’ performance of ‘Arabian Nights’ under Philip Harper, as the two Welsh heavyweights stood apart from the rest of the high class field of rivals.
Congratulations
Band Manager Austin Davies was one of the first people to offer Tredegar his band’s congratulations after accepting the Frank Parker trophy as runner-up.
"We gave everything we had today. It was as the judge’s said, an absolutely stunning performance. Our congratulations go to Tredegar on their magnificent victory – and for their winning performance too. It’s been a great day for Welsh banding."
Scots top three finish
For the first time in the contest’s history the top three podium places were filled by non English bands, as Co-operative Funeralcare under Allan Ramsay claimed their highest finish since 2004.
They led a ‘number of great performances’ according to the judges from the other main prizes winners, and it was one their MD was very proud of.
Open victory
"We are delighted with the result," Allan told 4BR. "One of the judge’s remarked that on another day it was worthy of winning the British Open, so it took two very special performances to beat us."
He added: "I was especially pleased that all three recognised the orchestral qualities of our reading in terms of balance and colour, which was something we worked hard on in our preparations. It now sets us up for the Doctor Martin Contest next weekend."
Foden's defence
With Tredegar some way out in front as the contest reached its final quarter, defending champion Foden’s gave a high class defence of their title. However, there was to be no repeat victory as they just fell short to come fourth under Allan Withington.
There was also a fine return to British Open form for Fairey directed by Garry Cutt. They confidently followed Co-op on stage as band 15, with just a few uncomfortable moments in the final section of the piece robbing them of a potential top three finish.
In contrast, a somewhat varied performance meant there was no joy for Black Dyke fans, as the Queensbury band ended sixth under Dr Nicholas Childs.
They did set the early marker from the number 4 draw, but even the most optimistic Pondasher knew that it wasn’t going to give the band a record 30th Open title.
Good Scottish news
There was further good news for Scottish banding as Kirkintilloch delivered a fine account to claim seventh place. They finished ahead of fancied performances from the powerful Yorkshire trio of Carlton Main Frickley, Brighouse & Rastrick and Grimethorpe, who eventually filled the remaining top ten places.
Fearless sops
With the test piece filled with treacherous musical and technical pitfalls for ensemble and especially leading soloists, many bands found that a high minor error count robbed them of a chance of a higher finish, whilst only a handful of fearless soprano players nailed the flamboyant top E final note.
The judge’s also later remarked that although there was something to enjoy in each performance, mute noises, non adherence to tempo markings, a lack of musical flow and even some erroneous vibraphone playing undermined a number of bands chances.
Solid finishes
There were solid midfield finishes for Desford, Hepworth and Grand Shield winners Milnrow, with MD Marieka Gray later telling 4BR that she was delighted with the performance of her debutant band.
Less happy will be Virtuosi GUS and Leyland who were left to look nervously over their shoulders next year at the threat of relegation to the Grand Shield after finishing 14th and 15th respectively
Cursed draw
Unfortunately it was the Golden Mile and not the British Open Gold Shield that awaited Reg Vardy and Seindorf Beaumaris.
The North Wales band certainly had cause to curse the luck of the draw as they picked out the dreaded number 1 from the velvet bag for the second year in a row (to add to a Kelly Eye’s draw at the Welsh Area).
They will be joined back at the Grand Shield in 2014 by Reg Vardy who finished one place ahead of them on the day.
Imagination
Despite well publicised grumbles from some quarters about registration issues and the test piece, Stephen Robert’s audience friendly take on Karyn and Martin Mortimer favourite orchestral ballet score certainly caught the imagination of the paying public.
Start delayed
It was like a return to the great days of the King’s Hall in Belle Vue, as the start of the slickly organised contest was delayed by 15 minutes as crowds of people waited patiently to gain entrance to the huge auditorium, whilst each of the 17 contenders performed to large audiences throughout the day.
Before the announcement of the results, presentations of the Iles and Mortimer Medals were made to Phillip McCann and Chris Jeans, whilst talented students, Lowenna Taylor, Ben Dixon, Hannah Drage, Emily Braverman and Jessica Martin were presented with Harry Mortimer Memorial Trust Awards.
Absolutely incredible!!! I am overcome with how well you played it – unbelievable playing!! That was a truly great performanceComposer & Adjudicator, Stephen Roberts
Full Results:
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Saturday 7th September
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Test Piece: ‘Arabian Nights — Fantasy on Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherazade for Brass Band’ (Stephen Roberts)
Adjudicators: David Read MBE, Stephen Roberts, Rob Wiffin OBE
1. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse), 8
2. Cory (Philip Harper), 16
3. Co-operative Funeralcare (Allan Ramsay), 14
4. Foden's (Allan Withington), 13
5. Fairey (Garry Cutt), 15
6. Black Dyke (Dr Nicholas Childs), 4
7. Kirkintilloch (David Roberts), 10
8. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Phillip McCann), 9
9. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King), 5
10. Grimethorpe Colliery (Luc Vertommen), 2
11. Desford Colliery (Nigel Seaman), 17
12. Hepworth (Michael Fowles), 3
13. Milnrow (Mareika Gray), 7
14. Virtuosi GUS (John Berryman), 11
15. Leyland (Michael Bach), 6
16. Reg Vardy (Russell Gray), 12*
17. Seindorf Beaumaris (Gwyn M Evans), 1*
Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Dewi Griffiths (Tredegar)
Brian Evans Memorial Trophy: Ian Roberts (Tredegar)
Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy: Daniel Thomas (Tredegar)
*Reg Vardy & Seindorf Beaumaris relegated to Grand Shield
