Tredegar Band has continued its preparations for its appearance at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester on Saturday 25th January (3.00pm), by welcoming French Horn soloist Ben Goldscheider to rehearsal.
Acclaimed
Ben will team up with the band for a performance of Edward Gregson's 'French Horn Concerto' — written in 1971 to feature the talents of the great Ifor James and given its world premiere with him accompanied by the Black Dyke Band under Geoffrey Brand.
It will also be the second time Ben has performed the work with Tredegar — the first in a critically acclaimed concert performance at St Martin in the Fields in London in June 2023.
Prior to his RNCM appearance he is also given a much-anticipated performance of Gavin Higgins' Novello Award winning 'French Horn Concerto' in Oslo with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra — a work specially written for him.
Oslo and masterclass
He will also be heading a masterclass at the RNCM on Friday (24th January) prior to his appearance with Tredegar the following day.
Tickets: https://www.rncm.ac.uk/basket/?instance_id=13801
Speaking to 4BR he said: "It's been wonderful to be back and to hear that Tredegar sound again. It's a real honour to be part of the RNCM Festival this year and to be featured alongside such a remarkable line-up of ensemble and solo talent.
Edward Gregson's work is something of favourite too — a landmark work in fact and one that I'm really looking to performing again."
Finest
In welcoming Ben back to Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse added: "We have been very fortunate to work with some of the world's finest brass soloists at the RNCM Festival in recent years, and Ben certainly adds to that list. He is a wonderful artist and I'm sure the audience will enjoy his take on a hugely enjoyable concerto."
The programme also includes works by Judith Bingham, Ed de Boer and Philip Sparke (see below).
Edward Gregson's work is something of favourite too — a landmark work in fact and one that I'm really looking to performing againBen Goldscheider
Awards
Tredegar recently enjoyed hosting their annual awards evening where presentations were made to Sion Jones as 'Player of the Year', Cerys Hughes, 'Players Player of the Year', David Thomas, 'Bandsperson of the Year' and the bass team as 'Section of the Year'.
RNCM International Brass Band Festival
Tredegar Band
Conductor: Ian Porthouse
Soloist: Ben Goldscheider
Programme:
Prague (Judith Bingham)
French Horn Concerto (Edward Gregson)
A Road Less Travelled By (Philip Sparke)
Homage to Julian Assange (Ed de Boer)