Band Cymru set for television broadcast

The destination of the £10,000 Band Cymru first prize will be decided over the next few weeks on television.

Friday, 18 April 2014

The battle to become the winner of the inaugural Band Cymru 2014 event will unfold on Welsh television through national broadcaster S4C over the next few weeks.

Broadcast

Produced by Rondo Media to highlight the quality of the very best brass, wind and jazz bands in Wales, the final rounds of the event were recently recorded in front of a live audience at the Parc & Dare Theatre in Treorchy.

They certainly enjoyed the dozen bands battling it out for the chance to win the Band Cymru 2014 title and the single prize of £10,000, with viewers now getting the chance to enjoy the musical drama starting on 26th April at 9.00pm, complete with English subtitles.

Four semi finals

Four ‘semi-finals’ took place over the weekend featuring Cory, Tredegar, Tongwynlais Temperance, Northop and Tylorstown up against diverse groups and ensembles such the Teddy Smith Big Band, Chamber Winds, Capital City Jazz Orchestra, Tryfan Jazz Band, Symphonic Brass Royal Welsh College, Liberty Big Band and James Clark’s Lonely Hearts Rugby Club.

The semi-final shows will see three bands in each battle it out to be selected for consideration for the award of the £10,000 first prize.

Final programme

That will be announced on a special final programme, on 24th May, as the television audience will be able to relive many of the highlights once more as the judges mull over their decision and announce the winner live on air.

By staging Band Cymru, and broadcasting it on S4C, the hope is to draw a wider audience to a tradition which is thriving in Wales, among adults and the younger generation alikeRondo Media

Hotly contested

Show producer and competition organiser Hefin Owen told 4BR: "Welsh band members are a community of dedicated, hardworking and passionate musicians, and their competitions are always hotly contested.

By staging Band Cymru, and broadcasting it on S4C, the hope is to draw a wider audience to a tradition which is thriving in Wales, among adults and the younger generation alike."

Broadcast start

Band Cymru starts Saturday 26th April 9.00pm on S4C (English subtitles)

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