Seindorf Beaumaris provided a musical feast for an appreciative audience at Theatre Hafren in Newtown.

Under the baton of MD, Gwyn Evans, the Anglesey based band has built up a fine reputation of late for their inventive entertainment and they certainly gained many new admirers at a mid Wales venue that is fast becoming something of a banding hot spot thanks to the proactive programming of its management.

Captivated

The Norwegian inspired ‘Introduction’ captivated from the outset with its crispness and energy, followed by an old favourite ‘National Emblem’ march, played with panache and style. 

An impressive performance of ‘Eryri’ written especially for the band by Anglesey composer Gareth Glyn, depicted the magnificence and awesome wonder of Snowdonia which forms the spectacular backdrop to the band’s home town surroundings. 

Theme

The Welsh theme continued with a beautiful rendition of ‘David of the White Rock’ by principal cornet player Nick Hughes, whilst the cornet section showed off their talents in a blistering rip through Goff Richards’ ‘Hora Staccato’. 

A change of mood followed as the young horn soloist Bronwen Evans wooed the audience with a mature interpretation of ‘Alfie’, which certainly showcased all the makings of a real star performer thanks to her elegant phrasing and soft dynamics - even to the last top C. It was very classy playing.

The first half came to a close with an excellent performance of Peter Graham’s ‘Shine as the Light’.

Virtuosic

The virtuosic second half saw the band completely change style and sound with a tribute to the great ‘Big Band’ era. 

This enthralled the audience, with percussionist Nathan Williams and soprano player Bari Gwilliam on trumpet demonstrating their talents in full in ‘Birdland’, ‘Big Band Explosion’ and ‘Sing Sing Sing’.

Skilful

Under the skilful direction of the MD, the band successfully silenced any critics who believe that brass bands cannot emulate the sound and style of big band swing music (although sadly this is often the case with many bands).

However, it was the youngest member of the band that made the greatest impression of the night, as Pippa Scourse took the audience on a breathtaking journey of mature musicality and technical wizardry far beyond her years: 

Her faultless performance of ‘Carnival of Venice’ left them spellbound. 

Wow

The wow factor continued as the Eb Bass virtuoso Gavin Saynor showcased his brilliance in an entertaining interpretation of ‘Largo al Factotum’, whilst the band showed considerable stamina and control to round off the evening with the last two movements of Eric Ball’s ‘Suite Gothique’ – played with elegant lyricism.

The lollipop encore of ‘William Tell’ capped a fine evening and a memorable concert, which appealed immensely to the general public thanks in no small part to MD Gwyn Evans, who impressed the audience with his musical readings, energy, warmth and humour.
 
David Evans