The BAFTA, Brit and Classic Brit Award winning composer Paul Mealor has become the new President of Foden's Band.

The Welshman, who played euphonium with Northop Band in his youth has over the years been commissioned to wrote works for several iconic state occasions — including his motet 'Ubi Caritas et Amor' performed at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.

Spatial and evocative

His music, which has been described as "beautifully spatial and evocative of landscape", was also used at the funeral service for the late Queen Elizabeth II, whilst last weekend his composition 'Coronation Kyrie' was sung by Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel at the Coronation of King Charles III.

In contrast he also composed the song 'Wherever You Are' which became the 2011 Christmas number 1, whilst his substantial classical output has also been enhanced by major works for the brass band medium, including a Euphonium Concerto, premiered by David Childs.

In 2018, he was appointed as an Officer of the Venerable Order of St John (OStJ) by HM Queen Elizabeth II and in March 2023 was promoted to Commander (CStJ) by HM King Charles III.

Delighted

Speaking about the connection, Band Chairman John Barber told 4BR: "We are delighted that Paul has accepted our invitation.

His work is greatly admired across the music world, and we are excited that he has agreed to work with us to help develop future musical opportunities, programmes and initiatives."

I'm honoured to have been invited to become Foden's President. They are truly one of the greatest ensembles in the world and have a history routed in our cultural heritagePaul Mealor

Honoured

In response the composer stated: "I'm honoured to have been invited to become Foden's President. They are truly one of the greatest ensembles in the world and have a history routed in our cultural heritage.

I look forward very much to working with the band in the months and years ahead."