*
banner

90 foot drop reveals Tredegar surprise

Tredegar's 2017 Arts & Business Cymru Awards appearance certainly came with a bit of a surprise.

Ian Stoutzker with Ian Porthouse
  Tredegar MD Ian Porthouse with Robert Maskrey Award winner Ian Stoutzker CBE

Tredegar Band's reputation for innovative performance opportunities was certainly shown with their appearance at the 2017 Arts & Business Cymru Awards that recently took place from the stage of the 1900 seat Donald Gordon Theatre at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

Live performance

The band had been invited to give a surprise live performance in honour of Ian Stoutzker CBE, who along with his wife Mercedes have been remarkable supporters of the Arts both in Wales and the UK.

He was being presented with the prestigious Robert Maskrey Award for Arts Philanthropy for his generous personal support of many organisations, including The Aloud Charity, Live Music Now, Amgueddfa Cymru — National Museum Wales, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Tredegar Band.

90 foot drop

Towards the end of a short film broadcast on the huge multi-media screen above the stage, which less than 24 hours earlier had been set up for an opera performance of 'Die Fledermaus', the band was shown starting a rendition of 'Folk Festival' by Shostokovich.

However, as the 200 guests watched from their tables a huge 90 foot high white sheet was dropped to reveal the band in full uniform completing the piece live on stage next to them.

It was real honour to be able to surprise him in this way, especially as he told me that it was the highlight of the night!MD. Ian Porthouse

Different

"That was certainly a different way to play an opener — but also a great way to make an impression,"MD Ian Porthouse said as he met up with Mr Stoutzker after the performance.

"Mr Stoutzker and his wife are revered in the arts and business world for what they so generously give back to the communities and the people of Wales — including Tredegar Band.

It was real honour to be able to surprise him in this way, especially as he told me that it was the highlight of the night!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


wINDSOR

National Youth Band contribution honoured by King Charles III

April 5 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain and fellow brass band representatives were honoured by King Charles III at a special reception at Windsor Castle this week.


Arfon Owen

Owen to play key part in EBBC Gala Concert

April 5 • Yamaha artist Arfon Owen will take to the organ to play his part in the European Championship Gala Concert in Stavanger


Lewis Merthyr

Lewis Merthyr strengthen Towers of Friendship with Germany

April 5 • The Lewis Merthyr Band will be performing on Germany this weekend to help strengthen the tie between two communities through joint music making.


Leyland

Leyland's turn to bring Best of Brass to Pudsey

April 5 • The penultimate concert of the Leeds 'Best of Brass' series sees Leyland Band bring their brand of entertainment to Pudsey Civic Hall.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Welwyn Garden City Band

April 4 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season ahead of us. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedworth Brass

April 4 • Bedworth Brass, Midlands 1st Section band are looking for a talented and enthusiastic soprano player to join the ranks of our hard working and social band.


Bedworth Brass

April 4 • Bedworth Brass, Midlands 1st Section band are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Bass Trombone player to join the ranks of our hard working and social band.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd