The Cory Band paid a personal tribute to composer Philip Sparke at their concert at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff on the weekend.

He was in the Welsh capital as part of the adjudication panel for the RWCMD/Cory Composer Competition, with the band taking the opportunity to make an official presentation of a framed picture to commemorate their performance of his latest major work, 'Raveling, Unraveling' which helped them claim the European title in Lille earlier this month.

Encouragement

Cory MD Philip Harper also revealed to the audience that Philip has given him a great deal of personal encouragement over the years — and which he hoped will continue well in to the future — ever since he wrote to him as a star-struck 14 year old after hearing 'Harmony Music' played at the National Finals in 1987.

"He is the absolute master at writing music for brass bands, and I was delighted to be able ask him to once again write for the band. Cory has enjoyed a wonderful musical connection with him over the years and the piece he came up with was simply remarkable.

I believe it has changed the direction from which major test pieces have been going over the last few years."

Cory has enjoyed a wonderful musical connection with him over the years and the piece he came up with was simply remarkablePhilip Sparke

Pleasure

The composer later responded by telling 4BR: "It has always been a pleasure to write for Cory. I so admire their approach to music making and their performance of 'Raveling, Unraveling' in Lille was superb."

The band also took the opportunity to give the Welsh premiere of the work, with their colourful reprise gaining prolonged applause from the audience, whilst Philip Harper also revealed that it will soon be recorded for a future CD release.