Euphonium star David Childs is to make a fourth appearance at Carnegie Hall in New York this coming week, with a performance that will have a rather unique Welsh connection.
He has just flown to the USA to be a featured artist in the prestigious New York International Music Festival (Tuesday 11th April) , and where he will give the world premiere of Bernard Kane's 'Seren Wen' — Concerto for Euphonium, accompanied by the Gwent Youth Wind Orchestra, conducted by Sean O'Neil.
Something of a Welsh showcase, other works on the programme will include Gareth Wood's 'Salome' and a new solo version of Paul Mealor's 'A Welsh Prayer'.
Fourth time
It is the fourth time the Besson artist has performed at the iconic venue, and the fourth time this year that he has crossed the Atlantic for concert performances. On this trip he will also give a special masterclass at the Buffet Crampon Showroom off Broadway.
The trip will see David and the Gwent youngsters link up with the Welsh born composer who has worked with the likes of Quincy Jones, The Manic Street Preachers, Sir Karl Jenkins, Julian Lloyd-Webber and Michael Sheen, and whose previous commissions have included works for the Royal National Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Welsh Proms.
Ideal way
David told 4BR: "The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra premiered his 'Overture to Mr Dahl' at last year's 'Last Night of the Welsh Proms' and this was my introduction to his music and the ideal way to ask him to write a work for me."
'Seren Wen' — Welsh for 'White Star' — is inspired by the famous transatlantic shipping line and its iconic, but doomed flagship, RMS Titanic.
Amazingly, its distress signal was first picked up and relayed to the world by an amateur radio enthusiast in Pontllanfraith (a few miles from David's home in south Wales), over 3,000 miles from where she hit the fateful iceberg.
'Seren Wen' — Welsh for 'White Star' — is inspired by the famous transatlantic shipping line and its iconic, but doomed flagship, RMS Titanic4BR
Significant
David added: "The story of the Titanic is the work's impetus, and its link to Wales is of particular significance given the performers involved.
It's wonderful that I'm able to give the premiere with the Gwent youngsters, and as the performance in New York will be Sean O'Neill's last as Head of Wind & Brass for Gwent Music Services. He retires at the end of this term, and the concert represents a wonderful way to bow out.
They have worked tirelessly to raise the funds for the trip and gave a memorable performance before we left to family members in Newport."
David will return to the USA later this month to perform and record Adam Gorb's 'Euphonium Concerto' with the Cleveland Wind Symphony under the baton of Tim Reynish.
