*
banner

Waterfront music for Royal Welsh students

Dr Robert Childs to lead innovative student concert programme at Maritime Museum in Swansea on weekend.

Bob Childs in action
 

In an innovative new approach, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Brass Band will be making its first concert appearance at one of Wales’s foremost museums this weekend.

Saturday evening

The evening concert will be performed at Swansea’s impressive Waterfront Museum, which attracts thousands of visitors each year to find out more about the story of Welsh industrial and maritime history over the past 300 years.

Connection

And as MD Dr Robert Childs told 4BR, the programme he has chosen for the concert starting at 7.30pm on Saturday evening, certainly connects with the exhibitions that will be seen on display around concert goers.

"Wales has such a rich industrial heritage, that I felt it was an ideal opportunity to reflect this in the music we have chosen to perform," he said.

Evocative

"This will include Simon Dobson’s evocative ‘Penlee’, as well as another chance to hear one of the earliest original works for brass band, ‘A Tydfil Overture’ by the great Welsh composer Joseph Parry."

Seafaring and iron making

He added: "It seemed appropriate given Swansea’s seafaring history and the amazing industrial story of the Cyfartha Band and the Merthyr iron barons to include these wonderful works, as well as celebrate Welsh musical excellence with William Mathias’s ‘Vivat Regina’ and ‘The Armed Man’ from Wales’s greatest living composer Karl Jenkins.

We will also feature Hannah Drage in the Gareth Wood ‘Horn Concerto’, as well as give a few lollipops to round off the evening too!"

It seemed appropriate given Swansea’s seafaring history and the amazing industrial story of the Cyfartha Band and the Merthyr iron barons to include these wonderful worksDr Robert Childs

Outreach

The new outreach feature of the student brass band is one that Bob feels will be of great benefit to the players, whilst also showcasing their talents to audiences throughout South Wales.

"Welsh banding is on such a high at present and a great deal of that success has come from the contribution these talented students are making.

I hope this concert will be the first in many new ventures that will showcase their talents throughout the Principality on a more regular basis."

Venue:

7.30pm
National Waterfront Museum
Oystermouth Road
Maritime Quarter
Swansea
SA1 3RD

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Doodles

Spring upgrade from Doodles

April 8 • The bespoke mouthpiece business is offering a Spring custom upgrade...


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd