*
banner

T.J. Powell legacy to be celebrated

The works of the great Welsh brass band conductor and composer T.J. Powell are to be celebrated this evening in an open rehearsal at City of Cardiff (Melingriffith)

TJ Powell
 

The City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band is holding a unique open event this evening (Thursday, January 29th).

The band is hosting a special ‘T.J. Powell Open Rehearsal’ to celebrate the legacy of one of Wales’ finest brass band conductors and composers.

Finest marches

Tom Powell was conductor of the Melingriffith band from 1920 until 1965 (above) during which time, as well as making them one of the most famous names in UK banding, he composed dozens of fine pieces of music — of which his marches are known and still widely played around the banding world.

The evening will therefore celebrate those works — alongside a number that have not seen the light of day for many years as well.

Photographs

One former player, Geoff Atkins has compiled a collection of photographs of T.J. Powell with the band, which will be displaying and it is hoped that the evening will trigger a number of other events to celebrate Powell's contribution to the brass band movement.

Among the manuscripts that will be looked at are a number of long lost marches, including one called ‘Cardiff Castle’ — not to be confused with his ‘Castell Caerdydd’, solos, a euphonium and bass feature, as well as some longer works.

Death

The date also coincides with Powell’s death exactly 50 years ago, when, as guest conductor of the Cory Band, he was to lead them in a radio contest performance in Cardiff for the popular ‘Challenging Brass’ programme.

As he rose to conduct the band for the live radio competition, he collapsed — although as he received attention before being taken to hospital, the band performed, led by one of the players. He died at the studio.

The rehearsal starts at 7.00pm at Tongwynlais Village Hall when massed bands form the City of Cardiff organisation will work their way through some of his famous compositions4BR

Come along

The rehearsal starts at 7.00pm at Tongwynlais Village Hall when massed bands form the City of Cardiff organisation will work their way through some of his famous compositions.

If you are n the area, please come along and enjoy some fine music making from one of Wales’ finest brass band musicians.

For more information, please contact Dave Howard on 07867 553040 or davekhoward@gmail.com

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Soprano Cornet. Solo Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . Solo Euphonium . 2nd Baritone .


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd