*
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    


NYBBS

Fun and friendship key ingredients to NYBBS success

July 29 • A fantastic week of music making in Perthshire was rounded off with a memorable triptych concert.


Red Admira

Red Admiral still open for late arrivals

July 29 • If you want to be part of the live-broadcast Red Admiral Music Academy Entertainment Contest then you still have time...


Edward Gregson

National study scores now available

July 29 • Study scores of Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' are now available for Studio Music.


Ystradgynlais

Chitty, Chitty Band, Bang

July 29 • The Ystradgynlais Band has been entertaining their local supporters with a little bit of film star help...


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Alder Valley Brass

July 28 • 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


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd