The members of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales are currently preparing for their annual Summer Course concert in Porthcawl on Sunday.

The talented youngster from all corners of the country are being led by MD, Ian Porthouse on a demanding programme that includes the world premiere of a new work entitled, 'Taliesin' by Welsh composer Rhian Samuel.

Repertoire

Tredegar Band's principal cornet player Dewi Griffths will be the featured soloist on Edward Gregson's 'Cornet Concerto', whilst the concert will also feature repertoire by Gavin Higgins, Philip Wilby, Eric Ball, William Mathias and Aaron Copland.

"It's been a very rewarding musical week,"Ian Porthouse told 4BR. "The talent in Wales is remarkable and the sense of pride drives the players on to give of their best.

I've been so impressed by the willingness to learn and absorb the tuition given by a great team of tutors, and to perform with open minds to the music."

Talent

Meanwhile, guest soloist Dewi Griffiths, who will soon be seen on Welsh television in his other role as a ceremonial fanfare trumpeter at the Welsh National Eisteddfod, said he has also been very impressed by the standard of playing on show.

"It's great for the future of Welsh banding that we have this talent coming through from every part of the country,"the Besson artist and Tredegar Band principal cornet said.

"It says a great deal about the work being done at grass roots level by bands that these players can get together and tackle the demanding repertoire with so much confidence."

Long term development

A spokesperson the band added: "Having Ian lead the National Youth Band this year follows on from the great work undertaken by the likes of Phil Harper and Tom Davoren in the past few years.

This long term development of talent under these outstanding conductors is one of the main reasons for the band's continued artistic success."

I've been so impressed by the willingness to learn and absorb the tuition given by a great team of tutors, and to perform with open minds to the musicIan Porthouse

Concert

The concert will take place at 2.00pm on Sunday 30th July at the Grand Pavilion Porthcawl (CF36 3YW)
www.grandpavilion.co.uk

National Youth Brass Band of Wales
Conductor: Ian Porthouse
Guest Soloist: Dewi Griffiths (cornet)

Fanfare for the Common Man (Aaron Copland)

Taliesin (Rhian Samuel)
(Premiere of TÅ· Cerdd commission made possible by the generous support of the Colwinston Charitable Trust)

Cornet Concerto (Edward Gregson)
Soloist: Dewi Griffiths

Fanfare and Love Songs (Gavin Higgins)
Vivat Regina (William Mathias)

The Pilgrim's Progress (Philip Wilby)
Journey into Freedom (Eric Ball)