The first 'semi-final' of the televised 2016 Band Cymru contest was broadcast last weekend and produced a major shock as City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band tickled the fancy of adjudicators John Faddis, Graham O Jones and Colin Sheen to place themselves in a strong position to claim their place in the final on Sunday 22nd May.

Pure musicality

The reigning Welsh First Section champion produced a fine programme, described as 'top-notch', 'pure musicality' and containing 'better dynamics, intonation and phrasing' under the baton of the experienced Nigel Seaman to beat off the challenge of newly crowned Welsh Champion, Tredegar and north Walian rivals Northop.

Smile

And although the brace of unofficial audience judges of Geraint Cynan and Branwen Gwynn opted for Tredegar as their personal choice, it was the varied contrasts of 'The Smile', a superb tenor horn solo by Lowenna Taylor of 'When you wish upon a Star', 'Madrigalen' and 'Sospan Fach' that saw City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) gain the all important nod from the three men who counted most — and to produce 'smiles all round' as they joined their MD on stage to celebrate after the result.

The 'semi-finals' were held in Aberystwyth on the weekend of the 9th/10th April, with a dozen ensembles battling it out in a series of broadcasts to try and claim the four places available in the finals at the Parc & Dare Hall in Treorchy.

Next semi-final

That will be contested by the four best bands (not necessarily each 'semi-final' winner), with the next 'semi final' broadcast on Saturday 31st April, featuring Llwydcoed, Tongwynlais Temperance and the RWCMD Chamber Winds.

The reigning Welsh First Section champion produced a fine programme, described as 'top-notch', 'pure musicality' and containing 'better dynamics, intonation and phrasing' to beat Tredegar and Northop4BR

See broadcast

To see the programme go to: http:/­/­www.s4c.cymru/­clic/­e_level2.shtml?programme_id=533340711