Dr Robert Childs has spoken to 4BR about his delight following the news that composer Karl Jenkins has been awarded a Knighthood in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours List.

The classical composer, who was already a CBE, became Sir Karl for his services to composing music and crossing musical genres.

Congratulations

Dr Childs told 4BR: "I wanted to offer congratulations on behalf of the brass band movement, because I know he remains a huge brass band fan and has contributed significantly to expanding our repertoire in recent years."

He added: "We were first introduced by my son David when he was composing his 'Euphonium Concerto' for him. Since then I have got to know Sir Karl and his wife Carol very well.

I remember conducting at the Royal Albert Hall a few years ago when I knew he was in the audience — so I asked him to come on stage and conduct Cory playing his wonderful arrangement of 'Abide With Me' — something he did without hesitation, much to the delight of the audience and the players!"

Student visitor

Bob revealed that Sir Karl has also been a frequent visitor to the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff, attending many of the RWCMD Brass Band concerts and other music events.

"It is always a pleasure to see him with us,"he said. "He is so enthusiastic about youth development and his support is invaluable to young performers."

Major works

Through their musical association together the banding world has also benefitted from being able to utilise a number of his most important works — some of which have been expertly arranged by another Penclawdd Birthday Honours musician, Tony Small BEM.

"Tony and Karl have been life-long friends, so it was great to hear that he had also been honoured at the same time."

it's his 'Concerto for Euphonium' commissioned and written for David Childs that will always be known as his first major composition for brass band. Let's hope it's not his last!Dr Robert Childs

So much

Bob Childs continued. "It says so much about him that Sir Karl has given several people permission to arrange his music including Tony, Peter Graham, Andrew Wainwright and myself.

During my time at Cory Band we did several major projects with him, including a live performance of the whole of his 'Armed Man — A Mass for Peace' at St David's Hall Cardiff and an EMI recording, 'This Land of Ours' with the Cantorian Male Choir (above).

He conducted both projects and was fantastic working with the band. He is so generous and humble, and treated them as if they were the London Symphony Orchestra. He was so full of praise for the high standard all the top bands achieve.

However, it's his 'Concerto for Euphonium' commissioned and written for David Childs that will always be known as his first major composition for brass band. Let's hope it's not his last!

I'm sure everyone in the brass band movement will join me in congratulating him on a well deserved Knighthood."

Grateful

Commenting on his award in the national press, Sir Karl Jenkins stated: "I was delighted by this great honour and the recognition of my music. I am grateful and humbled that my works have been able to reach out to so many performers and listeners around the globe."