Burry Port Town Band has announced the appointment of Michael Thorne (above) and Tom Davoren as their new co-Principal Conductors, in what they describe as a 'dynamic and exciting' partnership.

They will now lead the west Wales band on the contest and concert stages as well as providing musical direction in relation to a range of upcoming projects.

Returns

Michael has already enjoyed two highly successful stints at the helm of the band, whilst Tom made his playing debut with them in 2002 before carving out a highly successful career as a conductor and composer.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "To engage two dynamic and exciting conductors of this calibre to lead us forward will provide a massive boost.

The fact that Michael and Tom have such strong links with the band makes this all the more pleasing."

Hat tricks

Michael's impressive CV with Burry Port already boasts a triple hat-trick of Welsh Regional Championship, National Eisteddfod and Welsh League titles, as well as a victory at the Senior Cup in 2005, whilst Tom led the band to the Welsh Open title in Porthcawl for the first time earlier this year.

To engage two dynamic and exciting conductors of this calibre to lead us forward will provide a massive boostBurry Port Band

Excited

The spokesperson added: "We are hugely excited to be working with Tom again in preparation for the Welsh National Eisteddfod and the Cydweli 900 Festival Concert in the coming weeks, and look forward to welcoming him back for the Welsh Open and Welsh Regional Championships next year.

Michael will take over the baton for the remaining legs of the Welsh League contest series and Christmas Concert before returning for the band's Grand Shield assault next May."