The 30th annual Welsh Proms series starts this weekend at St David's Hall in Cardiff — with world class Welsh brass exponents playing a leading role.
Cory
In addition to performances by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of the Proms Artistic Director, Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, there will also be concerts featuring the likes of the Bournemouth Symphony, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and current Welsh champion, Cory.
They will be part of a 'Brass & Voices' Prom alongside a 200 strong male voice choir under Owain Arwel Hughes in a programme that will include 'Le Corsair', the 'Finale' from the Saint-Saens 'Organ Symphony', 'Procession to the Minster' and the 'March' from 'Pines of Rome'.
Childs
Leading the line-up of international Proms soloists is David Childs, who will perform on July 25th at the 'Last Night' celebrations alongside the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
David will perform Arban's 'Carnival of Venice', Karl Jenkins' 'Benedictus' (from 'The Armed Man') and will premiere a new orchestration of Johan De Meij's 'UFO Concerto', which has been specially arranged by the composer for the performance.
Mealor
Meanwhile, composer Paul Mealor has also written a new orchestral overture, 'Celtic Spirit', which will also receive its premiere as part of the 'Last Night' celebrations.
David Childs is also an incredible ambassador for his instrument, the medium and the nation, and I look forward tremendously to working with this wonderful musicianOwain Arwel Hughes CBE
Finest in world
Speaking of the brass features at the Welsh Proms, Owain Arwel Hughes told 4BR: "Wales' brass bands are the finest in the world and, together with our proud choral tradition, are part of the cultural DNA of the nation, and rightfully deserve to be celebrated in our national festival.
David Childs is also an incredible ambassador for his instrument, the medium and the nation, and I look forward tremendously to working with this wonderful musician and premiering the orchestral version of Johan's very fine concerto."