52 talented young Welsh brass band players will link up in Monmouth later this month for the 2016 Summer Course of the National Youth Band of Wales.

Davoren direction

The annual residential course and concert tour will be directed by Tom Davoren, and will tackle a substantive programme with a distinctly Welsh flavour.

Repertoire includes works by Alun Hoddinott, Gareth Glyn and Ty Cerdd — Music Centre Wales's 2016 'Featured Composer', the late Mervyn Burtch.

Premieres

The band will also give three premieres — from a world first performance of Paul Mealor's 'Fantasia on a Theme by Henry Purcell' (above), to a brace from Tom Davoren with his Shakespearian inspired 'Divinity of Hell' and his newly written 'Wind City Heartbreak' for featured guest soloist, Glenn Van Looy.

The Belgian euphonium virtuoso will also showcase Peter Meechan's 'Requiem Paraphrases' concerto and will lead a masterclass in which two budding euphonium stars, Thomas Dunne and Peter McDonough will perform.

Tutor team

The young players will also benefit from a highly experienced tutor team — including James Fountain, Paul Hughes, Andreas Kratz, Rob Richardson, Kevin Morgan, Michael Thorne and Jayne Obradovic.

The annual residential course and concert tour will be directed by Tom Davoren, and will tackle a substantive programme with a distinctly Welsh flavour4BR

Concerts

The intensive week of rehearsals concludes with performances at Aberystwyth MusicFest (2.00pm: Saturday 30th July) and the Theatre of Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls (7.00pm: Sunday 31st July).

Further information can be found at: http://tycerdd.org/youth-music/national-youth-brass-band-of-wales/concerts