British Open champion Tredegar will take to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall with a new addition to their ranks.

New horn

As they look to add the National Championship title to their recent Symphony Hall victory, they welcome tenor horn player Ruth Stones who has joined from Leyland Band.

The 22 year old Royal Northern College of Music graduate has moved to Cardiff to undertake her post-graduate studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and will play alongside Hannah Drage and Lee Drew.

Welcome

Ruth takes over on first horn following Emma Havard’s move to London to take up a new job, and told 4BR: "I’ve had a lovely welcome from everyone and I’m looking forward to playing with the band," she said.

"There’s a great atmosphere and such friendly people."

Turton return

Meanwhile, Tredegar will also welcome back Steve Turton who will play principal trombone following Stephen Sykes’s move to Tongwynlais Temperance.

It’s a return for a player who has been associated with the band for well over a decade and who has just come back from a tour to China with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Pleased

MD Ian Porthouse is certainly pleased with the new additions.

"We were sorry to see Emma leave due to her career move, as she made a wonderful contribution to the band and its win at the British Open.

We are very fortunate however to welcome such a fine replacement in Ruth, who we hope will also enjoy just as much success."

We are very fortunate however to welcome such a fine replacement in Ruth, who we hope will also enjoy just as much successIan Porthouse

Amazing

He added: "Stephen Sykes has been a fantastic player in the four years he has been with us and we wish him well as his new professional playing career takes off.

We have ideal replacement though in Steve Turton, who knows the band so well and has been an amazing performer when we have needed him over the years."