The 100th anniversary of the presentation of the only brass band trophy to have the official seal of royal patronage has been commemorated by the recent premiere of a tenor horn concerto in Cornwall.

Commissioned

‘Bestowal of a Century’ was commissioned by Lowenna Taylor, and was funded through her Harry Mortimer Trust award which she was presented with at the 2013 British Open Championship following the completion of her studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff.

Written by her friend and fellow Cornish expat Christopher Bond (pictured together with the Royal Trophy), the 15 minute work received its world premiere at the Cornwall Youth Band end of course concert in Newquay at Christmas.

1913 presentation

The ‘Bestowal’ refers to the presentation of the Royal Trophy by the then Prince of Wales (who also happens to be the Duke of Cornwall) to the famous West of England Bandsman’s Festival in Bugle in 1913.

Over the years it has been won by some of the greatest names in brass banding, including Black Dyke and Munn & Feltons — although more recently it has become a wonderful open festival that includes sections for local bands as well as visitors from all over the banding globe.

Heritage

“Having grown up taking part in the contest, I wanted to give something back and celebrate my Cornish heritage,” Lowenna told 4BR. “The trophy is unique, so to celebrate its 100th anniversary with the concerto seemed the best way I could do it.”

Lowenna also knew the right person to compose the concerto for her — and Chris was delighted to write the demanding work to showcase his great friend’s talents.

Wonderful player

He told 4BR: “Lowenna is a wonderful player and she gave me free rein! Having played together in the Cornwall Youth Band, I knew just what would work, so there are little motifs and themes of the contest and of Cornish music, but most of all it is a work that showcases a fabulous player.”

The performance of the concerto also coincided with the news that the famous trophy will once again receive direct royal support, as the current Prince of Wales has agreed to become the Festival’s patron once more.

The performance of the concerto also coincided with the news that the famous trophy will once again receive direct royal support, as the current Prince of Wales has agreed to become the Festival’s patron once more4BR

Special

“That made the premiere even more special,” Lowenna added. “My mum helped to get the ball rolling on regaining the royal support for the contest, so to be able to give the performance of the concerto knowing that was a great thrill.”

Chris and Lowenna now hope that the work will be taken up by other leading tenor horn players, with the possibility of it being recorded in the near future.