*
banner

Report & Result: 2018 Band Cymru — Fourth Semi-Final

As show of musical bravery sees Tongwynlais Temperance win a closely fought semi-final of the Band Cymru competition.

Band Cymru
  Toingwynlais Temperance won the fourth semi final of the 2018 Band Cymru competition.

Musical 'bravery' played a significant part in securing Tongwynlais Temperance victory in the fourth semi-final of the Band Cymru television competition.

Directed by Matthew Rowe, it was their desire according to judge Wyn Davies to aim "for a very high standard"on a traditionally framed entertainment set that saw them through against rivals Cardiff University Jazz Society Big Band and Burry Port Band.

Not guaranteed

However, it was Welsh opera conductor Wyn Davies that summed up their performance by stating that there was "one reason"for their victory — "bravery", as "...they aimed for a very high level"of performance throughout.

Good impact

As the band celebrated on stage, conductor Matthew Rowe said that he was "delighted"and that Tongwynlais had delivered a programme that had "good impact and commitment".

He also praised his band for their hard work and said that it would "mean a lot"if they got through to the final.

That was certainly shown in their high paced opening march, 'The Melody Shop', which was followed by the subtle musicality of 'Lament' by Ben Hollings, played with tenderness by the cornet and baritone duet of Harvey Rees and Georgie Evans.

The quirky marital march rhythms of 'Serenade' by Derek Bourgeois led into the soloist showpiece finale of Peter Graham's 'Cossack Fire Dance'.

Closely fought

The last of the four semi-finals was certainly the most closely fought in terms of overall quality, with spirited performances from both the Cardiff University Jazz Society Big Band and Burry Port Band.

The student jazz ensemble under MD Matthew Lush showcased their talents with vibrant renditions of 'I'm Not So Sure' by Cedar Walton, 'April in Paris' and the choreographed 'Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah', which in her opinion Branwen Gwyn felt may have just had the edge over their rivals.

Welsh opera conductor Wyn Davies that summed up their performance by stating that there was "one reason" for their victory — "bravery", as "...they aimed for a very high level" of performance throughout4br

Showstopper

Meanwhile, Burry Port gave the audience a very different programme under conductor Christopher Bond, with the opening 'Lest We Forget' commemorating the sacrifice of the First World War.

It was followed by a languid trombone soloist in Nils Richard with 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square' and emotive 'Legends of Cyfarthfa' to close, which, given it was the last piece to be played by the 12 semi-finalists, was rather accurately described by Branwen as 'a showstopper'.

Watch again:

You can watch a repeat of the semi-final at:
http://www.s4c.cymru/clic/e_level2.shtml?programme_id=797935017

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    


British Open

British Open countdown: 50 days to go

July 18 • There are now fewer than 140 premium tickets to be snapped up for the 171st British Open.


Williams

More milestones to achieve for Williams duo

July 18 • New musical avenues will be marked by yet more milestones for Glyn and Helen Williams.


Olav Skar

New Nordic President at coop

July 18 • Olav M Skar has reconnected with the cooperation band in his new role as Band President.


Tongan

Life changing opportunity for Tongan youth

July 18 • The first Tongan Youth Band course is looking for support to help give musical youngsters a life changing opportunity.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedford Town Band

July 18 • Bedford Town Band have vacancies for 1st trombone, 1st horn, EEb and BBb bass. We have several concerts and Wychavon contest in the Autumn. In the last few years the band won the Butlins 2nd section , been promoted to 1st section then 3rd at Wychavon


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd