*
banner

Welsh students to pay musical tribute to Gareth Wood

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Brass Band will pay tribute to composer Gareth Wood at its St David's Day Concert on Friday evening.

Gareth Wood
  Gareth Wood died in August 2023 aged 73.

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Brass Band will pay a musical tribute to composer Gareth Wood at its forthcoming St David's Day concert at the RWCMD in Cardiff on Friday 1st March (7.30pm).

Wood passed away in August 2023 aged 73. Born in Cilfynydd near Pontypridd, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music and joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as a double bass player.

During his career he performed worldwide under many leading conductors and became its chairperson in 1991, a post he held for three years. His 'Fantasy on Welsh Song' has become a traditional part of the annual 'Welsh Proms' series at Cardiff's St David's Hall.

Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden

As a composer he also wrote extensively for brass bands, including the 1992 European Championship set-work, 'Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden', which will be performed at the concert under the baton of conductor Dr Robert Childs (joined by student conductor Dan Dennis).

Also programmed will be his earlier 'Tombstone Arizona' and 'The Mist of Afan Forest' as well as 'Sospan Fach'.

It's also appropriate that we feature 'Five Blooms' which is a great piece written for the European Championships held just around the corner at St David's HallDr Robert Childs

Wonderful composer

Speaking about the tribute Dr Childs told 4BR: "This is a fitting occasion to honour a wonderful Welsh composer, and someone who I had the pleasure of working with on several occasions.

It's also appropriate that we feature 'Five Blooms' which is a great piece written for the European Championships held just around the corner at St David's Hall, and there is nothing better to get the Welsh hwyl stirred than his brilliant take on 'Sospan Fach'. I hope people come along and enjoy a great night out."

The second half will feature works by Sir Karl Jenkins ('Aspects of Adiemus'), 'Hunting the Hare' (Howarth), 'Open Skies' (John Hardy), 'For the Fallen' (Jenkins) and 'Men of Harlech'.

Tickets:

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at:
https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats-on/tickets/book?EventInstanceId=377602

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    


Bolton Crown Court

Brass band conductor sentenced for abuse of position of trust

July 2 • Sam Olsson is sentenced at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 18 by a person in a position of trust.


tIPS

BBE announces partnership with donations platform

July 2 • Brass Band England member bands can benefit from an easy way to gain cashless donations.


Mead in Japan

No fatigue for touring Mead

July 2 • Steven Mead has just return from tours of Japan and Australia with China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to come.


Wainstone Cup

Sextet after big money at Dr Martin contest

July 2 • Six bands will look to claim a large slice of prize money at the Dr Martin Wainstone Cup contest this weekend in Yarm.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd