A "knockout"performance by Brass Beaumaris, a fusion ensemble of folk and brass band instrumentation, claimed the honours in a highly entertaining third semi final of the Band Cymru television competition.

Directed by Gwyn Evans, their colourful mix of styles and timbres saw them beat brass band rivals Tylorstown and BTM to present a strong claim to be included in the live broadcast final in Swansea on April 22nd.

Knockout

And whilst the competition rules mean that victory does not guarantee their place there (the four best ensembles are chosen), the judges said the "innovation they brought"and "the connection they made to the audience"was "so exciting", with jazz trombonist Gordon Campbell summing their performance up by saying, "The whole thing they did was just wow!"Knockout!"

Although American trumpet star Michael Mossman revealed that theirs was a "split decision", the collective opinion should see them through to battle for a first prize worth a potential £10,000.

Solo award contender

Made up of current and former players taught by Gwyn Evans in Anglesey, a few experienced helping hands and three members of a local folk group on violin, guitar and accordion, Brass Beaumaris opened with a choreographed whizz through 'Hora Staccato' followed by an outstanding soprano cornet solo 'A Living Prayer' featuring Bari Gwilliam — one that could well be an early favourite to bag the £500 'Best Soloist' award.

Two pieces with strong Celtic connections closed things off, with 'Nyth y Gwcw' followed by the intoxicating mix of Argentinean tango and chapel hymn singing in 'Cofia'n Gwlad' inspired by the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Welsh diaspora settling in Patagonia.

"They treated us to a show, and they added a new dimension", audience expert Branwen Gwyn said. "Bari Gwilliam's playing was magical and they transformed the hymn tune. It was superb. I was enjoying myself too much to spot any weaknesses."

Give a tenner

Not surprisingly a delighted Gwyn Evans, who had spent the week before the recording in bed with the flu, retorted, "Give Branwen a tenner!"whilst on receiving the semi-final trophy he added: "I'm happy of course. It's been a tough week, but these are very special musicians."

Beaumaris was certainly pushed by both Tylorstown and BTM who played to the top of their form with their eclectic sets to give the judges plenty to ponder.

They treated us to a show, and they added a new dimensionaudience expert Branwen Gwyn

Strong, solid performance

Tylorstown's "strong, solid performance"under Gary Davies saw them open with 'Malaquena', before principal cornet Kevin Jones and solo euphonium Angela Westacott delivered fine renditions of 'Chipanecas' and 'Catari, Catari' respectively before they closed with the march 'The Cossack' and 'Balkan Dance'.

BTM's "tight and precise performance elements"were shown in a choreographed set that included, 'And the Band Played On', 'First Light' by Ben Hollings, 'Setterslatt' by Jan Magne Forde and the closing section of 'Shine As The Light'.

The fourth semi-final of the 2018 Band Cymru competition will be aired at 8.00pm on S4C on Sunday 15th April.

Watch again:

You can watch repeat of the semi-final at:
http://beta.s4c.cymru/clic/e_level2.shtml?programme_id=797934997