Following the high profile world premiere of 'Legacy' by Tom Davoren to mark the 70th anniversary of the birth of the National Health Service on the weekend, Tredegar Band will be marking the occasion with a second performance in heart of the Palace of Westminster in London later today.
First
They will become the first brass band to perform in the State Rooms of The Speaker of the House of Commons, following an invitation and permission given by The Rt Hon John Bercow MP for a special event hosted by the Aneurin Bevan Society.
Bevan, who was from Tredegar, found his inspiration for the NHS from the town's Medical Aid Society — one that formed the blueprint for what he called this aim to 'Tredegar-ise' the health service provision of the country.
Invited guests
The soprano cornet solo will be performed in front of 150 specially invited politicians and guests as part of a short programme of music, speeches and a presentation to The Speaker of a Miner's Lamp from the people of Tredegar to mark Bevan's mining roots as well as his contribution as a Parliamentarian.
"It's been a very busy time for the band, but one that keeps everyone excited and energised."MD Ian Porthouse said.
"The media coverage has been incredible — from early morning radio programmes to Radio 4 and the BBC News at 10 — with more to come today. Hopefully it will give out a positive message of what brass bands can do."
The media coverage has been incredible — from early morning radio programmes to Radio 4 and the BBC News at 10 — with more to come today. Hopefully it will give out a positive message of what brass bands can doIan Porthouse
Free
'Legacy' was commissioned by Tredegar from Welsh composer Tom Davoren with funding by Ty Cerdd, the body which oversees the creation and promotion of professional and amateur music making in Wales.
It will be made available to be downloaded for free for all bands to perform following the Parliamentary performance.