Euphonium star David Childs is continuing his current globetrotting concert tour following recent critically acclaimed performances at the Royal Albert Hall in London and Dublin’s National Concert Hall.
Airport hopping
4BR managed to catch up with him as he was ‘airport hopping’ in the USA on his way to the University of Indiana, where he will be taking part in the International Tuba & Euphonium Conference.
"I was thrilled to be able to help celebrate the 70th birthday of composer Karl Jenkins with performances of his ‘Euphonium Concerto’, with the Royal Philharmonic and RTE Orchestras in two iconic venues," he said, reflecting on a busy last few weeks.
"The popularity of his music was shown by both huge halls being packed out, with a great deal of media attention focussed on the composer. It was a real honour."
Recital appearance
The concerts allowed David just enough time to spend at home with his family before flying out to the USA and a much anticipated recital appearance with Italian tuba star Alessandro Fossi and American pianist Caryl Conger.
He added: "Part of my contribution will include Howard Snell's superb arrangement of Pablo Sarasate's violin showpiece ‘Zigeunerweisen’, and the first performance of Tony Small's beautiful new setting for euphonium and piano of the traditional Welsh melody, ‘Over the Stone’ (Tros y Garreg) — so my home and family in Wales won’t be far from my heart or mind!"
Gala connection
David will also be featured in the Friday evening Gala Concert together with Norwegian tuba star Oystein Baadsvik and euphonium legend Steven Mead. He will also meet up again with Joseph Parisi and Fountain City Brass Band, who he performed in concert with at the recent North American Brass Band Championships in Grand Rapids.
On this occasion he will give the world premiere of a new euphonium concerto, entitled, ‘Stratos’ by Jonathan Bates.
"It’s a great new addition to the repertoire," he said.
"It’s accessible, descriptive, and full of new colours for both soloist and band. It’s certainly been fun to learn and I'm looking forward to giving the premiere at the biggest low brass Festival in the World."
It’s certainly been fun to learn and I'm looking forward to giving the premiere at the biggest low brass Festival in the WorldDavid Childs on the new Stratos Euphonium Concerto.
Concerto
The Concerto is in three continuous movements. The first, 'Charge of the Intergalactic Rocks' is full of energy, metre change, and an extended cadenza for soloist, whilst the following, 'Sleeping Earth (from Outer Space)' forms the atmospheric second movement which at one point calls for the whole band to sing in harmony as the soloist weaves a lyrical line above. The final movement is extreme paced 'Dance of the Spiral Galaxies'.
David added: "I’m sure it will thrill everyone and will be a great way to introduce Jonathan’s music to a new audience in the USA. On my return I’m also recording the work with Flowers Band for their forthcoming CD release of his music."
Closer to home
All that and he is already booked in for appearances in Italy, Nova Scotia, Virginia and a welcome ‘local’ gig together with Royal Harpist Katrin Finch at the internationally renowned Gower Festival.
"I’m sure that there is some time in diary for a holiday and a bit of a rest — somewhere," he laughed, before the familiar sound of a boarding flight announcement meant him racking up a few more air miles to his latest concert destination.
