Welsh champion Tredegar is looking forward to its appearance at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival with a world premiere performance as well as a new addition to its ranks.

The band will be reunited with Belgian euphonium star Glenn Van Looy as he showcases the fearsome Bourgeois 'Euphonium Concerto' which he originally recorded with them in 2019 on the CD release 'Step Out'.

World premiere

The programme under MD, Ian Porthouse will also feature the world premiere of 'Melisande' by Phil Lawrence — a major test-piece work inspired by the daily activities of the late composer's dog.

Also included will be the exciting concert opener 'A Spark Forgotten' by young composer Tamsin Crook, as well as Philip Sparke's 'Land of the Long White Cloud' which has become one of his most popular contesting works.

Performance high bar

Speaking to 4BR, MD, Ian Porthouse said: "The Festival provides a real high bar performance level to work towards at the beginning of each year, and we're delighted to showcase such a wide spectrum of works.

The audience is going to be thrilled hearing Glenn on the Bourgeois — it's an incredible virtuosic piece. It's also been great to work on 'Melisande' which someone described as Hans Werner Henze meets Bernard Herrmann. It's darkly witty, surreal and fearsome in its canine twists and turns!

All this and a classic bit of Sparke to supplement a new emerging compositional voice — so no wonder we've been kept busy."

The audience is going to be thrilled hearing Glenn on the Bourgeois — it's an incredible virtuosic pieceIan Porthouse

Latest signing

Ian also welcomed latest signing Josie Taylor, with the former Flowers cornet player making her debut in Manchester.

Josie recently took a year out from banding to successfully complete her Chartered Accountancy exams after enjoying playing with the 2024 National Champion.

"It's great to welcome Josie who has helped us out on a number of occasions. Her experience in being part of Flowers outstanding success in recent years will also be boost ahead of a busy year."

In response Josie said: "It's good to be back playing full time again and with a band with such an exciting musical outlook — starting at the RNCM Festival."

RNCM ticket

RNCM International Brass Band Festival ticket:
https://www.rncm.ac.uk/basket/?instance_id=69001