Euphonium star David Childs has recently undergone major surgery to repair a complex abdominal hernia which will rule him out of playing the euphonium for at least a couple of months.

David had been nursing the hernia for over a year, but in December the pain became too intolerable for David to continue playing, so he was forced to undergo surgery on January 2nd in London's University College Hospital.

Frustrating

David told 4BR: "It's been a real frustrating time for me. Playing is my life, but due to the hernia I've been unable to practice as much as I'd like and haven't felt 100% for a long time. I'm of course disappointed not to be able to play for a while and very sorry that I won't be able to fulfil my committments in the first part of 2008. I hope I'll be able to come back fitter, stronger and better very soon."

I'm of course disappointed not to be able to play for a while and very sorry that I won't be able to fulfil my committments in the first part of 2008. I hope I'll be able to come back fitter, stronger and better very soonDavid Childs

Cancelled

David was due to perform Carl Rutti's euphonium concerto Metamorphosis with Cory at the RNCM Festival of Brass later this month, this has now been cancelled.

Return date

Following the RNCM Festival, Cory's next big event will be their regional championships in March. Austin Davies Cory Chairman commented to 4BR: "Our thoughts are with David and we wish him a speedy recovery. He will be given every opportunity to return to Cory whenever he feels ready, but provisions are in place for the possibility he will be unable to play with the band at the Regionals."

Busy 2007 schedule

During 2007 David played at every major event with Cory. He made prestigious solo appearances including performances with the BBC Concert Orchestra and the National Orchestra of Wales, toured extensively with concerts in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Ireland, America, Australia and Japan ande also featured on a number of commercial recordings including his latest solo album 'Celtic Charm'.

Health priority

David's father and conductor of Cory told 4BR: "Those close to David have known he's been suffering for sometime , but he's passionate about playing and refused to undergo surgery until absolutely necessary.

I've been with David in hospital for the past week and he's making a good recovery. He can't wait to start playing again, but a return to good health is the priority."