Just before government announcements meant the curtailment of public events at venues such as the Royal Welsh College in Cardiff, this joint concert initiative was held by the institution and the BBC Young Musician of the Year organisers. 

Past category and overall winners of the prestigious flagship competition have been asked be involved in this year’s televised programmes to add their thoughts on performances as well as showcase their own presentation skills.

One of those of course is David Childs who won the brass category award 20 years ago - something which he later said made him feel a little older than usual!

Riveting

He took the opportunity to delight the audience in this lunchtime recital alongside his long time accompanist Chris Williams; opening with a high octane display of virtuosity in Sarasate's 'Zigeunerweisen'.

It provided the colourful prelude to a riveting account of the Sir Karl Jenkins ‘Euphonium Concerto’; four movements of exquisitely stylised musicianship rounded off with its trademark ‘tidy’ troika - an understatement if ever there was one in his hands....

It set the symbiotic benchmark for the performances that followed, each delivered with mature thoughtfulness and playful interaction – the joyous approach to Hummel's ‘Fantasy’ (carefully transcribed by David's father-Dr. Robert Childs) a neat way of turning the clock back the two decades to his winning performance of the Brass category of BBC Young Musician of the Year.

Ravel’s 'Piece en Form de Habanera’ was a delight - a vocalise-etude, it has been transcribed for instruments as diverse as violin to saxophone, although the supple tenor pitch perfectly suited the timbre of the euphonium.  

The lollipop finale was ‘Endearing Young Charms’ played with such splendid elan (by both performers) - all style and all substance - the technical virtuosity delivered with subtle brilliance.

It set the symbiotic benchmark for the performances that followed, each delivered with mature thoughtfulness and playful interaction – the joyous approach to Hummel's ‘Fantasy’ (carefully transcribed by David's father-Dr. Robert Childs) a neat way of turning the clock back the two decades to his winning performance of the Brass category of BBC Young Musician of the Year.

World class level

Few brass artists inhabit the world class level of the Welshman – (the entire recital performed without music, his presentation skills, inclusive likewise flawless. As he sad before his final piece, he both he and Chris wanted to enjoy the occasion given that they didn’t quite know given the circumstances when they would perform again together. 

Those present were very lucky they caught them now, whilst the five Royal Welsh College students who worked with him in a special masterclass following the concert were even luckier. 

C Brian Buckley

The lucky masterclass participants: Flora Tassinari (French Horn): Rhys Michael (tuba): Jack Joy (trombone): Dylan Savage (trumpet): Chloe Hemmings (trumpet)