Euphonium star David Childs is certainly getting used to playing the fearsome Karl Jenkins 'Euphonium Concerto', with the Cory player currently putting the final touches to the preparations for his 20th and 21st performances of the work in just over a year.

High profile

During the last couple of months, David has also been combining some high profile solo performances with tuition to euphonium players of all ages, abilities and nationalities too.

Number 19

David told 4BR: "I recently gave my 19th performance of the concerto at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod — one of the great arts and cultural festivals, which also featured Catherine Jenkins and violin legend Nigel Kennedy.

"My performance was given to a capacity audience of over 2,000 people during the Saturday night gala concert and was recorded for broadcast on S4C television — so the pressure was on!"

Italian detour

That performance followed a quick trip to Venice which saw him give recitals in Asolo and Possagno, plus a masterclass in the museum of Venetian sculptor Antonio Canova.

He also managed to take a musical detour to Derbyshire to tutor the talented young euphonium and baritone section of the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain.

Just enough time

Following a solo performance at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Ebbw Vale, and a week of tutoring at the International Brass Band Summer School in Swansea, David just had enough time to pack a suitcase for a trip to Framingham, where he is currently enjoying himself as a senior tutor on the prestigious Brass Band Summer School course.

No rest

There is no rest for his lip however, as he will travel to London in the next few days to give the 20th and 21st performances of the Jenkins 'Concerto' with the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain under the baton of James Gourlay.

The concerts will take place at Banbury's St Mary's Church on the Saturday 14th & at the Royal Academy of Music's, Dukes Hall on Sunday 15th.

During the last month I've been fortunate in having the opportunity to combine my passions for performance and educationDavid Childs

Passions

David added: "During the last month I've been fortunate in having the opportunity to combine my passions for performance and education.

"I've worked with a diverse range of almost 100 euphonium players of varying ages from all over the world, and given some enjoyable solo performances too.

Helping the young musicians of the National Childrens Band has been a particular highlight and next weeks concerts with the National Youth Wind Orchestra should be fun too."