The British Open Trophy will remain in Wales for another year after a truly outstanding winning performance from Cory under Dr Robert Childs, saw the number 1 ranked band in the world claim their fifth title in 12 years at Symphony Hall.

Contributions

The Welsh champion also took home the £3,000 first prize as well as the Belle Vue Challenge Cup thanks in no small part to the contributions of principal cornet Tom Hutchinson, who won the Stanley Wainwright ‘Best Soloist’ prize, and soprano superstar Christian Hollensteiner, who took time off his duties with the Vienna State Radio Orchestra and Brass Band Oberosterreich to win the Brian Evans Memorial Trophy as ‘Best Soprano’.

Very highest quality

In a contest of the very highest quality, Cory beat off the challenge of rivals Black Dyke conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs, with an inspired Carlton Main Frickley taking the final podium spot under the baton of Philip McCann. All three performances were described as ‘simply outstanding’ by the adjudicators.

Stunning rendition

However, it was Cory’s stunning rendition of Philip Wilby’s set work, ‘Red Priest’ that drew the highest praise from David Read, Stephen Roberts and Michael Ball in the box, describing it in their written remarks as, "...A performance of the highest level"; "Very fine playing from a very fine band..." and "Wow! Quality, through and through...", respectively.

However, it was Cory’s stunning rendition of Philip Wilby’s set work, ‘Red Priest’ that drew the highest praise from David Read, Stephen Roberts and Michael Ball in the box4BR

Modest delight

MD Robert Childs expressed his delight when speaking to 4BR after the announcement of the results, although he was perhaps being a little too modest when telling 4BR that he felt he was ‘lucky’ in claiming his fifth Mortimer Maestro Award.

However, gauged by the reception the result was received with in the auditorium there seemed to be not the slightest element of serendipity in victory – one that further enhances their number 1 ranking status and sees them installed as short priced favourites to add the National title to their CV in just over a month’s time.

Disappointment

Although there was obvious disappointment for the Queensbury based English National champion, Black Dyke confirmed their return to form by taking second place, whilst the look of sheer delight on the face of Ray Sykes MBE when Carlton Main Frickley was announced in third place, was one of the highlights of the entire contesting day.

Tears of joy

As he wiped away tears of joy, he told 4BR that he felt immensely proud of the band’s achievement and of the contribution to the band’s success of their inspirational MD, Philip McCann.

The Scotsman later told 4BR that he was as equally proud of his hard working players, and singled out the contribution of principal euphonium Toni Howden who took the Geoffrey Whitham Award as ‘Best Euphonium’.

Long wait

Allan Withington’s long wait for a personal Open triumph will have to wait another year as he led a disappointed Foden’s into fourth place, whilst David King couldn’t quite re-impose his Open dominance after Brighouse & Rastrick ended in fifth.

There was no historic repeat victory for reigning champion Tredegar either, as their impressive title defence ended in sixth place.

Fear of relegation

The undiluted joy of Cory’s celebrations was in stark contrast to look of fear on the faces of band reps as the full results of the 159th contest were revealed.

In the end it was fellow Welsh contenders Tongwynlais Temperance and Yorkshire’s Hepworth who lost their elite Open status and will have to try and return via the Grand Shield in Blackpool next May.

British Open retro vision

4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Kenny Crookston and Chris Thomas for a final round of opinions about the 159th British Open – as well a montage of highlights from the event itself
http://vimeo.com/28606339

We have the first interview with Dr Robert Childs straight after he picked up the famous gold shield at Symphony Hall
http://vimeo.com/28604122?pg=embed&sec=24794147

You can also hear just how Cory took the title with adjudicator David Read MBE giving his views on just what separated the best from the rest in the box
http://vimeo.com/28604180

Philip McCann tells 4BR about his delight at the resurgence of Carlton Main after they claimed third place at the contest
http://vimeo.com/28605677

There is a wonderful interview with Ray Sykes MBE – perhaps the happiest man at Symphony Hall…
http://vimeo.com/28606782

Malcolm Wood gives 4BR an insight to what went on behind stage before and after band’s performances on ‘Red Priest’
http://vimeo.com/28607088

And to round things off – a reminder of just what was in store at the British Open in our contest preview on the Friday night
http://vimeo.com/28528841

Result:

Additional comments and thoughts on our twitter site:
http://twitter.com/4barsrest

Saturday 3rd September
Test Piece: 'Red Priest' — Professor Philip Wilby
Adjudicators: Dr Michael Ball, David Read MBE, Stephen Roberts

1. Cory (Dr Robert Childs), 9
2. Black Dyke (Dr Nicholas Childs), 12
3. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Phillip McCann), 5
4. Fodens (Allan Withington), 15
5. Brighouse & Rastrick (Professor David King), 10
6. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse), 14
7. Desford Colliery (Nigel Seaman), 6
8. Virtuosi GUS (John Berryman), 1
9. Grimethorpe Colliery (Garry Cutt), 16
10. Leyland (Jason Katsikaris), 11
11. Fairey (Geneva) (Russell Gray), 17
12. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts), 7
13. Reg Vardy (Ray Farr), 4
14. Co-operative Funeralcare (Michael Fowles), 13
15. Hepworth (Michael Bach), 8*
16. Kirkintilloch (Luc Vertommen), 3
17. Tongwynlais Temperance (Philip Harper), 2*

*Hepworth and Tongwynlais Temperance relegated to Grand Shield

Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Tom Hutchinson, (Cory)
Brian Evans Memorial Trophy: Christian Hollensteiner (Cory)
Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy: Toni Howden, (Carlton Main Frickley)