Although euphonium star David Childs did play for Cory at Brass in Concert at The Sage on Sunday, eagle eyed fans will have noticed that he didn’t take the stage with the World Champions 24 hours before at the Gala Concert.

Karl Jenkins

David was still playing though – 300 miles away in Cardiff as part of a star studded line up of musicians paying tribute to the Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, who was celebrating his 65th birthday.

Stars

The party was held at the iconic Welsh Millennium Centre – itself celebrating its 5th birthday and the sell-out event featured international performers such opera singer Rebecca Evans, harpist Catrin Finch and Rydian of X Factor fame! The concert was recorded and will be televised later this month.

Gone missing

However, if you tune in you won’t spot David in the final curtain call, as he was already heading north to team up with Cory for their title defence.

David told 4BR: “I arrived at about 3.00am on the morning of the contest, but it was worth the journey to be part of the band’s performance. I was pleased to receive the ‘Best Euphonium Award’, but I’d have definitely swapped it for a band win!”

It is a great honour to play for such a great composer. The whole event is seen as one of the most prestigious concerts of the cultural year in RomeDavid Childs

Italian job

David’s travels didn’t end at Gateshead however, as within 24 hours he was packed and on a flight to Italy where he is currently performing on a three day recital tour, including another star studded bash for a world renowned composer.

This time he will perform the world premiere of a new adaptation of 'Gabriel’s Oboe' for world famous film composer Ennio Morricone who will be in attendance to hear David play at the beautiful Santa Cecilia Conservatoire in Rome.

Honour

"It is a great honour to play for such a great composer," David added. "The whole event is seen as one of the most prestigious concerts of the cultural year in Rome."