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."