Euphonium virtuoso David Childs has just made a flying visit to the UK from Canada, where he is currently conducting the North American Brass Band Summer School at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.
Flying visit
However, it literally was a 'flying visit' to perform the Karl Jenkins 'Euphonium Concerto' with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in London — and almost as quick as its 'Troika Tidy!' finale.
As soon as he performed under the baton of the composer on Sunday afternoon, he had to race to Heathrow to catch an evening flight back across the Atlantic to Halifax via Toronto.
Wouldn't have missed
It was however a trip he wouldn't have missed — as not only was he personally invited by the renowned Welsh composer to be a featured soloist at an event that celebrated the 2000th performance of his celebrated 'The Armed Man' mass, but it also coincided with his parent's 40th wedding anniversary.
"I really wouldn't have missed it for the world,"he told 4BR, before he jumped on his flight.
"To be asked by Karl Jenkins to perform a work written specially for me, alongside the Royal Philharmonic and at the Royal Albert Hall, was something special — but for it to coincide with my parents 40th wedding anniversary, who were there to support me with my family, made it something to cherish."
Repeat performance
It was the second time in last few months that David has performed the concerto after he gave a thrilling performance with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra led by Bram Tovey at a 'Last Night of the Proms' event in Canada.
"It's been a special couple of months,"he said. "I've been honoured having the opportunity to perform with two truly world-class musicians and orchestras, and I'm so grateful to the team back in Nova Scotia who have been doing such a brilliant job when I've been racking up the air miles.
Their performances have been superb, and with James Gourlay joining us on my return to take up the conducting duties I'm sure it's going to be fantastic climax to the event."
To be asked by Karl Jenkins to perform alongside the Royal Philharmonic was something special — but for it to coincide with my parents 40th wedding anniversary, who were there to support me with my family, made it something to cherishDavid Childs
Football mad
However, he did admit, that the only disappointment has been missing the amazing progress of the Welsh football team at EURO2016 with his football-mad sons.
"I've managed to see the highlights of the win against Belgium, and made sure I bought them special Welsh football shirts!
Seeing them in London alongside my mam, dad and Jo was just as brilliant as the performance itself — with hopefully more to come when I return home again in time for the final!"
