Tongwynlais Temperance has announced that the experienced conductor Ian Holmes will take over the newly created role of Principal Conductor.

The highly respected musician recently left the position of Director of the Centre for Performing Arts at the University of the West of England, where amongst his many roles, he curated and conducted numerous large-scale concerts.

Crucial appointment

Band Chairman Iestyn Davies told 4BR: "This crucial appointment will set and lead the overall musical direction of the band.

We are grateful for the input we have had from a number of professional conductors over the last few years, but now feel there is a need to consolidate and set out a clear direction going forward. Appointing Ian will enable us to achieve this."

Our main focus during and beyond the immediate National Final challenge will be to define our unique artistic voice, something which I look forward to doingIan Holmes

Main focus

Ian, who took his first concert performance at the Pershore Festival of Brass on the weekend, added: "I'm looking forward to taking up the role and in leading the band at the Royal Albert Hall. It will be great to renew my association not only with the band but also with my family roots in South Wales.

He continued: "The band has some fantastic young talent supported by a range of experienced and dedicated players.

Our main focus during and beyond the immediate National Final challenge will be to define our unique artistic voice, something which I look forward to doing."