*
banner

Presidential pride at Welsh youth festival appearance

The National Youth Brass Band of Wales certainly made their President, Edward Gregson proud with their performance at the recent North Wales International Music Festival.

Dewi Griffiths
  Dewi Griffiths, Prof Edward Gregson and Ian Porthouse met at St Asaph Cathedral

Prof Edward Gregson has spoken of his pride on hearing the National Youth Brass of Wales open the 2017 North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral last weekend.

The concert under the direction Ian Porthouse was the opening event of the high profile festival founded in 1972, which runs from 16th to 30th September.

Featured artists this year include renowned Italian pianist Federico Colli and the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, as well as composers Paul Mealor, William Matthias and Robat Arwyn.

Gregson Concerto

The band showcased works by Aaron Copland, Eric Ball, Philip Wilby, Gavin Higgins, Rhian Samuel and William Mathias (who is buried in the cathedral grounds), whilst Gregson's acclaimed 'Cornet Concerto' was performed by Tredegar principal cornet Dewi Griffiths who hails from the nearby north Wales village of Bethel.

"I'm very proud to be the President of the National Youth Band of Wales, so to hear them open such an important festival in such splendid fashion certainly added to that,"Edward Gregson told 4BR.

"Having been involved since its formation in 1982 it's heartening to hear them in such fine form and packed with so many talented young musicians."

Artistic policy

He added: "It's also so important that an ensemble such as this has a long term artistic policy that encompasses the opportunity to perform at such events and can feature new commissions and works from the very best composers for the brass band genre. That was also shown here.

I hope it continues for another 35 years and more under its new management. My congratulations go to Ty Cerdd, Ian Porthouse and of course to Dewi Griffiths who gave a thrilling performance of my Concerto."

It's also so important that an ensemble such as this has a long term artistic policy that encompasses the opportunity to perform at such events and can feature new commissions and works from the very best composers for the brass band genreProf Gregson

Thrill

In reply Ian Porthouse added: "It was such a thrill for the players to know that Prof Gregson was in the audience to hear them. He has been the guiding artistic light for the band over 35 years, and I hope for many more to come.

They performed superbly on demanding repertoire and my thanks go to them, and Dewi's performance was brilliant. It's great that through the band Wales continues to produce musical talent like that."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd