*
banner

Valentin day for Tredegar at Open

Tredegar announces player changes ahead of their British Open challenge at Symphony Hall.

Tredeagr
  Tredegar's last concert performance was at the Proms (image: Chris Christodoulou)

Fresh from their performances at this year's Proms, Tredegar will head to Symphony Hall looking to add a third British Open title to its CV under Musical Director Ian Porthouse.

Player changes

With their Taiwanese euphonium player Yu-Han Yang returning home following his acclaimed solo performance at their Royal Albert Hall 'Late Prom' show, the band will be joined Valentin Duc from Swiss champion Valaisia for the contest.

Meanwhile, Jack Lythaby moves up from first to solo horn, swapping places with Paul Bennett for the contest.

It is the latest reward for the RWCM&D graduate after he was part of the Vulcan Brass quartet that recently won the 'Launchpad Award' as part of the June Emerson Wind Music Awards, alongside colleagues Jack Hoof, Owain Iestyn and Josh Dickens.

Popular player



Speaking to 4BR, MD Ian Porthouse said: "We were sad to say goodbye to Yu-Han and his wife Hannah. He has been such a popular player with the band, and it was fitting that he was able to sign off with such a memorable performance at the Proms.

He now has an exciting future ahead in Taiwan, and we are sure he is going to become a superstar performer in the country, whilst we give Valentin a warm welcome to fill in for the contest."

The Proms was brilliant, but now it's down to the other part of what banding is all aboutIan Porthouse

Progress

He added: "Jack has worked closely with Paul over the last six months and so this is reward for his excellent progress. Paul's mentoring continues to be essential to us and has shown the team ethic we have in the band with all the players.

The Proms was brilliant, but now it's down to the other part of what banding is all about."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


unibrass

UniBrass CompComp26 reveals shortlist

December 30 • Four young composers will look to be crowned 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition winner.


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 5 & 6

December 30 • Jo Behan meets up with Idun Carling and the female players of Desford Colliery Band for the final two episodes of her podcast series for 2025.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd