The world’s number one ranked band — European, National and Brass in Concert champion, Cory, has been nominated for one of the most prestigious awards in its home country.

Government backed

The St David Awards, backed by the Welsh Government and announced by its First Minister Carwyn Jones, recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of people in Wales, with the first list of nominees revealed recently at the Senedd Assembly in Cardiff.

Each nominee in the nine different categories has been recognised for the inspirational way they make a difference to Wales through their work and skills either at home or abroad, with Cory nominated for the Culture Award where, in the words of the awards citation, they have been seen to have, ‘excelled in the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement, expressed in any art form, language or medium.’

Strong opposition

The band is up against exceptionally strong opposition in the form of international artist, songwriter and Catatonia lead singer Cerys Matthews, and Tim Rhys Evans MBE, the musical inspiration behind the trio of Only Men, Boys and Kids Aloud phenomenon.

Proud

Cory Band Manager Austin Davies is proud to have seen his band recognised in such a way.

"We feel very honoured, especially when you look at the people who have been recognised for their achievements in the other categories such as Dr Lyn Evans who leads the research at the Cern Large Hadron Collider, rugby star Leigh Halfpenny and Baroness Tani Grey Thompson."

...they have been seen to have, ‘excelled in the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement, expressed in any art form, language or medium'Awards citation

Achievements

Austin added: "The award also shows that our nation takes a great deal of pride in its brass banding culture, so we are also honoured to represent the achievements of all the brass bands in Wales."

The awards will be presented at a high profile evening at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on March 13th.