David Childs is putting the final preparations in place for his world premiere performance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of a major new concerto from the pen of Welsh composer Paul Mealor.

It will form part of the rousing 'Last Night of the Welsh Proms' at Cardiff's St David's Hall on Saturday (29th July) — an event which has already seen Cory Band perform under renowned Artistic Director Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.

Leading performers

Speaking about the event, he stated: "This season's Proms has been one of the best yet, and it was right that alongside leading visiting orchestras and soloists, we also featured some of Wales' finest brass performers."

He added: "I'm delighted that this new Concerto will be premiered here, and that it's written for euphonium, formerly the composer's own instrument. I'm sure it will follow in the footsteps of the concerti by Sir Karl Jenkins, Alun Hoddinott and others we have premiered in becoming a cornerstone of the repertoire in future years".

The MD, who started the Proms 32 years ago, will conduct the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a work inspired by the Gaelic song, 'Fear a' Bhàta' (The Boatman).

Poetic inspirations

Meanwhile, the composer Pau Mealor told 4BR that he is also looking forward to hearing his latest work played by David Childs — one which is prefaced with the final lines of the song;

'I am all too sad and tearful
Like a white swan that has been torn
Sounding her death-call on a small grassy loch
Having been forsaken by all.'

He said: "It tells the tale of a fisherman and his wife. She accompanies her love to the shores of the sea to wave him off; but, to her tragedy, he never returns.

Each day she returns to the sea and sings to him, but no answer ever comes. In the tradition of Celtic songs it is dark and full of passion and pain. The song's lyrics show us the two sides of deep love — and there is no better performing in the world than David to show that."

Lyrical elements

Meanwhile, David is certainly looking forward to showcasing the more melancholic, lyrical elements of the instrument.

"It is about darkness and light in a number of ways in what is a passionate landscape of sound and colour. Two of the four movements really do explore the lyricism of the instrument, with Paul's beautiful writing sure to pull at the heartstrings.

The finale is played with such a sense of hopeful spirit. It's a remarkable work from a remarkable composer, and I'm honoured to be able to give the world premiere at an event that celebrates Welsh music making."

The song's lyrics show us the two sides of deep love — and there is no better performing in the world than David to show thatComposer, Paul Mealor

Tickets:

Tickets for all Welsh Proms events are available direct from the St David's Hall Box Office on 02920 878 444 or online at http://stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/whats-on/welsh-proms/