*
banner

Brass band link heralds 150th celebrations at Cambridge University

Girton College Cambridge will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2019 by strengthening its existing brass band links.

Smith
  Susan J Smith is the current Mistress of Girton College — with her euphonium by her side

One of the leading colleges at Cambridge University has been heralding its forthcoming 150th anniversary celebrations in 2019 with the sound of brass band music.

Girton College was founded in 1869 and has a renowned tradition for fostering not only world class academic excellence but also pioneering student equality.

Proud euph

The current Mistress of the College is Susan J Smith, a world respected geographer and academic who has held the prestigious post since 2009.

She also happens to be a very proud brass band euphonium player with the City of Cambridge Band; so much so, that her official portrait, which hangs in the dining room of the college, features her instrument at her side.

Formal portrait

As with all Oxbridge colleges, the Master or Mistress has a formal portrait painted in recognition of their role — although it is believed that Susan J Smith's is the only one in history to feature a euphonium (above).

It was painted by the renowned artist Ben Sullivan, who later admitted that it was one of the most complicated things he's ever had to include in a work.

Fanfare of Daffs

Recently the college held a Garden Party where the City of Cambridge Band performed a programme that included Gareth Wood's 'Fanfare of Daffodils' from his European test-piece, 'Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden'.

Jeremy West, who is a founder member of His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts told 4BR why it will be heard again in 2019 with a concert visit by the Royal Welsh College of Music Brass Band under Dr Robert Childs.

"The programme was chosen by Susan who has been undertaking a lot of research to link the musical content to Girton College. The college was founded 1869 and so, for example, the concert featured Brahms 'Hungarian Dance' which was written that year.

As with all Oxbridge colleges, the Master or Mistress has a formal portrait painted in recognition of their role — although it is believed that Susan J Smith's is the only one in history to feature a euphonium4BR

Welsh connection

He added: "The college also has a Welsh connection — one of the founders was the daughter of a Welsh clergyman and the colour green in the college coat of arms echoes that found on the Welsh flag.

With all this in mind Susan felt it was a nice touch to include music inspired by a Welsh Garden for the occasion.

That connection will be enhanced in 2019 with the visit of the Royal Welsh College of Music Brass Band, who we hope, will pay the work in its entirety."

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    


Steveage

Stevenage ready for 78 bands

March 14 • There are plenty of bands for the judges to compare and contrast for the National Final qualification spots at the London & Southern Counties Championships this weekend.


Wales

Welsh bands ready for Swansea challenges

March 14 • 37 bands will compete for the honours of being declared Welsh Champions at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall this weekend.


rncm

RNCM claims top five world ranking

March 13 • The Royal Northern College of Music is ranked as one of the top 5 universities for the study of music in the world.


wobplay

London Regional performances to be recorded on Wobplay

March 13 • You will be able to listen all the performances from Stevenage thanks to World of Brass


Regent Hall Concerts - RAM Trumpet Ensembles

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 15 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High Street CV12 8NF


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Brangwn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


The Marple Band

March 13 • Cornet ( positions negotiable),baritone and kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Rushden Town Band

March 12 • Back Row Cornet - due to a change in job, the band has a vacancy for a back row cornet. The band has a lovely atmosphere, and has regular jobs throughout the year as well as taking part in at least two contests.


Rushden Town Band

March 12 • 2nd Trombone - due to work relocation of previous player. A fun loving band who have many regular jobs throughout the year as well as competing in at least two contests each year.


James Chamberlain

BMus (Hons) PGCE
Conductor, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd