The celebration of all things good about banding in the Principality came to a fine climax with this enjoyable concert given by the reigning British Open champion on a stage resplendent with the accumulated silverware of 2013 Welsh banding success. 

Support

Despite the horrendous rain lashing down on the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff, an enthusiastic audience enjoyed two hours of high quality music making - the second half broadcast live on BBC Radio Wales, who had supported the event with broadcast features, interviews and music throughout the day.

Compered by the excellent Beverley Humphreys, one of Welsh banding’s most proactive supporters within the national broadcaster for many years, the first half was a mix of regular Tredegar concert repertoire, interspersed with interviews with featured soloists Hannah Drage and Daniel Thomas as well as MD Ian Porthouse.

Relaxed

It was relaxed fayre – from the eye popping ‘Open Sesame’ (although minus the magical appearance of the genie - which would have used up a wish or two to bring off on radio) and bubbling, ’Shine as the Light’, to the classic Prussian march, ‘Old Comrades’ and blockbuster finish of ‘Nightingale Dances’.

Contrast was provided by the fine soloists on ‘The Depths of His Love’ and ‘Grandfather’s Clock’ respectively, as well as the melancholic ‘A Time for Us’, whilst the fizzing ‘Blackbird Special’/ ‘Folk Festival’ segue added extra spice to the balance. 

Christmas inspired

After the break, and with the nation listening in, it was a deliberately more lightweight, Christmas inspired showcase, with ‘Sleigh Ride’, ‘Yule Dance’, ‘Christmas Song’, ‘Away in a Manger’, played sublimely by Danny Winder, ‘Troika’ and ‘Christmas Festival Overture’ providing the festive backbone.

Belter

Principal cornet Dewi Griffiths delivered his usual belter on ‘People’, whilst Gavin Pritchard flew through ‘Helter Skelter’ at a rate of knots that blew quicker than the raging storm outside the hall.

There was also time for reflection and a moist ‘mince pie’ or two with ‘The Smile’, whilst ‘Czardas’ was whipped through at a blink of an eyelid.

Encore

All that was left was the cleverly choreographed ‘Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus’, which brought a standing ovation and demands for a repeat encore - which despite the live broadcast having to make way for the latest Welsh news and weather, sent the audience home with sore hands of appreciation. 

Iwan Fox