The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Brass Band made a return visit to Regent Hall, with conducting duties shared between Dr Robert Childs and post-graduate student Andrew Wareham.

They presented an adventurous programme, opening with the lively 'Hazo', arranged by Jonathan Bates from a wind band original, which was beautifully balanced and built on the foundation of a first-class bass section.

Native

Philip Sparke's 'A Celtic Suite' brought a link with their native country, with the contrasting movements 'Dawns Werin', 'Suo Gan' and 'Men of Harlech'. The playing was slickly controlled, with excellent solo work from Grant Jameson (euphonium) and Hannah Plumridge (cornet).

Of particular interest was the performance of Edward Gregson's, 'Concertante for Piano and Brass Band', withdrawn for many years as the composer felt it was too derivative, but now available once more. 

Whilst the influences are clear - Rachmaninov in the first movement and Shostakovich in the third – it is nevertheless an attractive work that will bring rewards to pianists and bands prepared to tackle it. 

Accomplished

Conan Cambridge-Sayers was the accomplished soloist, with first-class technique as well as delicacy in the more reflective sections. It was interesting to hear the references to 'God Be in My Head' in the 'Nocturne' as well as the more obvious 'Onward Christian Soldiers' in the closing 'Rondo'.

Whilst the influences are clear - Rachmaninov in the first movement and Shostakovich in the third – it is nevertheless an attractive work that will bring rewards to pianists and bands prepared to tackle it. 

'Trumpet Blues & Cantabile' brought a change of mood and style, with a chance for the back-row players to shine, before an emotional rendition of Ben Holdings 'Memories of a Lost Boy'. Even without any associated visual images it made quite an impact, especially as it was dedicated to the memory of Ian Williams and Riki McDonnell.

Peter Graham's popular 'To Boldly Go' made for a thrilling finale, with the percussion section driving the music forward and all sections of the band given their chance to shine. The more reflective sections played their part as well, and the final climax was spectacular.

The encore was 'Men of Harlech' (arr Gordon Langford), with some lovely playing by flugel and horns in the middle.

Peter Bale