A new transcription of Vivaldi's iconic 'Four Seasons' has been created by tenor horn virtuoso Owen Farr and Tongwynlais Temperance Band to showcase to audiences how classical music can be performed brilliantly by brass bands.

Owen is of course one of the finest tenor horn payers in the banding world, so the solo lines of Vivaldi's work are performed by him in startling fashion, although the accompaniment also shows that such an arrangement can work so well for brass.

Showcase

The work has been recorded by the partnership with a full transcription for brass band being made available later this year.

Speaking about the exciting venture the Besson Artist told 4BR: "Vivaldi pioneered virtuosic and programmatic performances and challenged performers and entertained audiences in equal measure.

It's also such an easily recognisable and entertaining work for audiences to listen to so was the ideal choice to record with an ensemble from the band."

Japan tour

The duo will now take the arrangement on their cultural tour of Japan as well as forming an integral part of concert and entertainment performances closer to home.

The visit to Tokyo, Saitama and Utsunomiya will form part of the Welsh Government's 'Wales Japan 2025' programme.

The duo will now take the arrangement on their cultural tour of Japan as well as forming an integral part of concert and entertainment performances closer to home4BR

Assistance

Speaking about that exciting prospect, Band Chairperson Andrew Robins told 4BR: "The band has been fortunate to receive assistance from the Welsh Government's Taith programme which supports international exchange and mobility.

Thanks to Taith, we will be able to take the band to new audiences in Japan as its bands often lead internationally on embracing new audiences and performers."

Ongoing

The band has already performed sections of the work at a concert showcasing the talent of its Youth Academy.

It will now feature as part of its ongoing commitment to share the sound and unique history of brass banding with new generations of performers and audiences at home and abroad.