*
banner

From Small beginnings great things grow...

A life long friend has provided Tony Small BEM with a special anniversary present to help celebrate Penclawdd's 50th birthday this evening in Swansea.

Penclawdd
  The concert will feature the world premiere of a new march

Penclawdd Band will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special concert at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall (7.00pm) this evening with a truly unique musical connection.

The event also celebrates the half century of musical inspiration that has been given to the organisation by its founding conductor Tony Small BEM, with the occasion being marked by a composition from an old school friend of his.

Small beginnings

Entitled, '…from Small beginnings great things happen' it is a what its composer, a certain Sir Karl Jenkins CBE, calls "a jocular march to reflect a truism and tribute to the dedication, time and love Tony has devoted to music, both in this area of Wales and further afield".

Karl followed Tony through five different academic institutions — from Penclawdd Infants's School all the way to the Royal Academy of Music — a bond further strengthened as both their sons went on to study at the RAM in London.

One of the most successful composers in the world, Sir Karl has also written one of the pieces of music that will be given a world premiere in London in a few weeks' time as part of the Coronation Music of The King and Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey.

World class soloists

The proud President of Penclawdd Band has welcomed guests to the event which will not only feature the present band boosted many a number of former payers, but two world class brass soloists in Gareth Small (principal trumpet of the Halle Orchestra) and Andy Davies (trumpeter at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club) as well as renowned soprano soloist Ros Evans.

it is a what its composer, a certain Sir Karl Jenkins CBE, calls "a jocular march to reflect a truism and tribute to the dedication, time and love Tony has devoted to music, both in this area of Wales and further afield"4BR

Worthy celebration

With the Pontardulais Male voice Choir on hand and the introductions being made by broadcaster Mal Pope, it is sure to be a great evening of Welsh infused entertainment and a worthy celebration of a fine brass band and its inspirational Musical Director.

This concert will be held at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall at 7.00pm (Saturday 15th April)

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    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd