New works to enhance Welsh youth music making

A new work from the pen of composer Rhian Samuel will be premiered by the National Youth Band of Wales this year.

Young Welsh brass band players will get to perform a brand new work for composer Rhian Samuel this eyar

Wednesday, 08 February 2017

Ty Cerdd, the body which oversees the creation and promotion of professional and amateur music making in Wales, has announced its 2017 youth music season.

World premieres

In conjunction with National Youth Arts Wales, highlights will include world premieres of two new works by Composer in Residence, Rhian Samuel, as well as the debut concert performance of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales at the prestigious North Wales International Festival of Music.

With the generous support of the Colwinston Charitable Trust, the distinguished Welsh composer, Rhian Samuel has been commissioned to write pieces for both the National Youth Wind Orchestra and National Youth Brass Band of Wales.

Taliesin

In April the Wind Orchestra premieres 'This Precious Earth' with the Brass Band performing 'Taliesin' in Porthcawl and St Asaph respectively.

The commissions mark a departure for the Aberdare born composer who is perhaps best known for her orchestral and chamber music, including 'Tirluniau/Landscapes' which was premiered to critical acclaim at the BBC Proms in 2000.

Great privilege

Rhian Samuel told 4BR: "It's a great privilege for me to go back to where I started. I'm looking forward immensely to working with these talented young people."

It was also announced that Ty Cerdd is to launch a new professional development scheme for the alumni of its national ensembles.

During Easter, a select group of recent graduates and senior students from conservatoires will work as tutors on the National Youth Training Band of Wales course.

It's a great privilege for me to go back to where I started. I'm looking forward immensely to working with these talented young people Rhian Samuel

Performances

National Youth Training Band of Wales
Conductor: Tom Davoren
Saturday 15th April
Theatre, Monmouth School for Girls, NP25 5XT
2.00pm

National Youth Brass Band of Wales
Conductor: Ian Porthouse
Sunday 30th July
Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, CF36 3YW
2.30pm

Saturday 16th September
North Wales International Festival of Music
St Asaph Cathedral, LL17 0RD
7.30pm

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