Euphonium soloist David Childs is to be featured performing Paul Mealor's 'Euphonium Concerto' with the National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Martyn Brabbins.
The concert entitled, 'Desire, Loss, Destiny' takes place at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall on Friday 6th November (7.30pm), and will also include works by Debussy, Yakymenko and Prokofiev.
Written in 2017, Mealor's 'Euphonium Concerto' is drawn from a Gaelic tale of lost love: a fisherman who never returns, and the voice that continues to sing to the sea. Each day she returns to the sea and sings to him, but no answer ever comes. In the tradition of Celtic song, it is dark and full of passion and pain.
Musicianship
Speaking to 4BR, Martyn Brabbins told 4BR: "Paul's work combines the natural lyricism of David Childs' musicianship with his extraordinary technical prowess in a very appealing and natural way.
The Celtic folk influences in the material Paul draws upon, and the euphonium is supported by both colourful and vivacious orchestral writing. They are both remarkable musicians — so I hope the brass band community comes out to support and enjoy their talent."
Composer in Association
It comes after it was announced that Paul Mealor would become the orchestra's new Composer in Association, taking over the role previously held by Gavin Higgins, strengthening a link that they say will provide opportunities to work with them and chorus to "develop new music rooted in Wales, its people, places and stories".
The first of these was 'Aberfan: From Darkness to Light', with words by Grahame Davies, which marked the 60 anniversary of the mining community tragedy.
It received its premiere at Aberfan Community Centre and was subsequently performed at the orchestra's home at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff where it was recorded for broadcast.
Coming home
Speaking about his appointment the composer stated: "To become Composer-in-Association with the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales feels, in a rather wonderful way, like part of a circle coming home.
This appointment doesn't feel like arriving among strangers; it feels like deepening a musical friendship that already exists."
They are both remarkable musicians — so I hope the brass band community comes out to support and enjoy their talentMartyn Brabbins
Extraordinary
In welcoming the appointment, Lisa Tregale, Director of BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, said: "Paul is an extraordinary Welsh composer and storyteller, with a wonderful ability to create music that connects with people on local and global stages.
I'm incredibly excited about what we can create together and the new stories, ideas and audiences we can explore through this partnership."
Concert:
National Orchestra of Wales
Conductor: Martyn Brabbins
Soloist: David Childs
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Friday 6th November (7.30pm)
