British Open champion Tredegar enjoyed a break from their Symphony Hall rehearsal schedule on Saturday when they welcomed the talented young performers of the Youth Brass Band of Upper Austria to their bandroom.

Latest stop off

It was the latest stop off for the Austrians who had just made the trip down from Manchester where they had enjoyed a great day with the Fairey Band, culminating in a massed band concert at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Led by MD Karl Geroldinger and tour organiser Steven Mead, the band left Manchester at 7.30am to get to South Wales in time to enjoy hearing the reigning Open champion in action and get fed on Welsh cakes, sandwiches and strong cups of tea.

Gold Shield

The band then took their turn to perform for the Tredegar players and supporters in front of the famous British Open Trophy, before being taken to the Big Pit Mining Museum in Blaenavon and finishing their Welsh stopover with a night out in Cardiff.

"We have had such a wonderful time on our tour," Karl Geroldinger told 4BR. "All the players have looked forward to being able to come to Wales, play alongside Tredegar and have their pictures taken with the British Open Trophy.

It has been inspirational to be able to play with such great bands on our tour, and to enjoy ourselves with so many lovely people."

Response

Steven Mead has also been delighted by the response from brass band supporters who have listened to the Austrian band in action.

"The reaction of audiences and especially from British players has been amazing. These are very talented, committed musicians under a brilliant conductor – all of who want to keep improving and encouraging brass band music making in their country."

I think British bands had better keep an eye out for these youngsters over the next few years. They are going to be real starsTredegar MD, Ian Porthouse

Very impressed

Tredegar’s MD Ian Porthouse agreed: "We were all very impressed by the band. Karl Geroldinger is certainly an inspirational conductor.

I think British bands had better keep an eye out for these youngsters over the next few years. They are going to be real stars."