4BR has talked exclusively to Gareth Ritter, the 2009 winner of the prestigious Eric James Memorial Trophy for the 2009 Welsh Conductor of the Year.
Gareth Ritter is MD of City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) and Abergavenny Bands.
Popular
The award has been presented since 1990 following the death of Eric James — one of South Wales's most popular conducting figures.
Eric's son, Alyn told 4BR: "My father had expressed the view that, all too often, the hard work of 'grass roots' conductors can go largely unrecognised and that an award of some kind might go some way to remedy this. During November each year our group meets to discuss the achievements of Welsh conductors throughout all the sections and choose a recipient for the award."
...we recognise the incredible work ethic he has exhibited over the past several years with bands including Goodwick, Abergavenny and City of Cardiff. Gareth oozes enthusiasm from every pore!Alyn James
Work ethic
He added: "This year, in choosing Gareth, we recognise the incredible work ethic he has exhibited over the past several years with bands including Goodwick, Abergavenny and City of Cardiff. Gareth oozes enthusiasm from every pore!
We also wish to congratulate Gareth for his outstanding achievement in guiding City of Cardiff to the Second Section title at Harrogate."
Past Recipients:
1992: E.J. CLARK — British Steel (Port Talbot)
1993: HAYDN EVANS — Pontardulais Town
1994: BERNARD WILLIAMS — Cwmaman Institute/Blaina
1995: GERALD ROBERTS — Ammanford Town
1996: MICHAEL THORNE — Burry Port
1997: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
1998: C. BRIAN BUCKLEY — Pontardulais Town
1999: BRYN DAVIES — Blaenavon Town
2000: ALAN PHILLIPS — Aberystwyth Youth/Schools
2001: JIM DAVIES — Ammanford Town
2002: MIKE FARO — Briton Ferry Silver
2003: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
2004: CRAIG ROBERTS — Parc & Dare
2005: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2006: ALAN DAVIES — Llwydcoed
2007: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2008: GWYN EVANS – Beaumaris Band
2009: Gareth Ritter — City of Cardiff/Abergavenny
