The National Youth Brass Band of Wales is to be run by a new organisation.

The final concert under the auspices of Ty Cerdd will take place in St Asaph Cathedral this Saturday (16th September) directed by Ian Porthouse. It will then be taken over by a newly formed body, National Youth Arts Wales.

35 years

Formed in 1982 by the Welsh Amateur Music Federation, which merged with other bodies to become Ty Cerdd in 2004, the National Youth Band has provided wonderful musical opportunities for the most talented brass and percussion players in the country for 35 years.

It has been led by outstanding conductors and featured world class soloists, and has been responsible for the commissioning of works from internationally recognised composers such as Alun Hoddinott, Mervyn Burtch, Hilary Tann and this year's composer-in-residence, Rhian Samuel.

Proud

Deborah Keyser, Director of Ty Cerdd, told 4BR: "We are immensely proud of the work Ty Cerdd has delivered with, and for, Wales's very best young musicians over quarter of a century.

It's been an immense privilege to play such an important part in their musical development and to provide them with such valuable and enjoyable experiences.

We wish National Youth Arts Wales every success as they take over this important work, and look forward to supporting them to engage with Welsh music and composers."

She added: "While we'll miss delivering the ensembles, we are excited about the opportunity it provides for us to work with new groups of children and young people around Wales.

The nation has a rich musical heritage and we look forward to engaging with young people across the nation."

It's been an immense privilege to play such an important part in their musical development and to provide them with such valuable and enjoyable experiencesDeborah Keyser, Director of Ty Cerdd

St Asaph

The final concert under the aegis of TÅ· Cerdd takes place at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph Cathedral on Saturday 16th September,

Conducted by Ian Porthouse, the band will feature Copland's 'Fanfare for the Common Man', William Mathias's 'Vivat Regina', and 'Taliesin', a new work written by Rhian Samuel. The featured soloist is Dewi Griffiths, who will perform the Edward Gregson 'Cornet Concerto'.

Tickets:

Full details and tickets: http:/­/­nwimf.com/­2017/­1930-national-youth-brass-band-of-wales