*
banner

Tredegar to give world premiere of Tallis masterpiece

Tredegar Band will give the world premiere of a brass band arrangement of 'Spem in Alium' amid the splendour of Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff this evening.

Spem
  The world premiere will be given by Tredegar Band today in Llandaff Cathedral

Following their appearance at the Old Vic Theatre 200th anniversary Gala Ball alongside the likes of Damien Lewis, Lulu and Tim Minchin last weekend, Tredegar Band will be providing music of a very different musical vintage later this evening amid the medieval splendour of Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff (7.30pm).

World premiere

The band will perform the world premiere of a new brass band arrangement of 'Spem in Alium' by Thomas Tallis.

Written around 1570, his majestic 40-part motet consisting of eight quintets containing a soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass will form the centrepiece of a concert that will see the band joined by the renowned Palestrina Singers.

Crowning glory

Regarded as Tallis' crowning glory, 'Spem in Alium' is a magnificent exhibition of his craftsmanship — and one that will resonate magnificently in the historic surroundings of the Cathedral with it celebrated nave structure, 'Christ in Majesty' by Jacob Epstein.

Tredegar's solo horn player Chris Davies has made the special arrangement of the work which will feature the band augmented by extra performers.

To perform it in the evocative setting of Llandaff Cathedral is something special, so we hope we can attract as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the experience with usIan Porthouse

New horizons

MD Ian Porthouse added: "This is another example of how the band is determined to seek out new musical horizons and showcase the versatility of the highest quality brass band music making.

To perform it in the evocative setting of Llandaff Cathedral is something special, so we hope we can attract as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the experience with us."

Other works being performed on the night included 'Tallis Variations' by Philip Sparke, 'The Lord Bless You and Keep You' by John Rutter, the overture to 'The Marriage of Figaro' and Faure's 'Pavane'. The Palestrina Singers will provide works by Byrd, Purcell, Flecha, Farrant and Tallis.

Place, date, time and tickets



Spem in Alium
Saturday May 19th
7.30pm
Tickets are priced at £12 for adults, and £10 for concessions

Buy tickets:
http://tredegar.band/events/speminalium#ticket

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    


Brass in Concert

New adjudication system being considered for Brass in Concert

May 17 • Adjudication rankings of equal value to be considered in potential revamp of judging at the Brass in Concert Championships later this year.


winter and Storheim

Norwegian brass band talent spotlighted for Maestro direction

May 17 • Eline Storheim and Samuel Winter have been chosen to be part of a two year conducting course.


wobplay

New releases set for Wobplay

May 17 • New CD releases from Black Dyke Band, Birmingham Citadel and Bone-afide alongside the Elgar International Festival will soon be able to be enjoyed on the digital platform.


Lostock

Tynan departs at Lostock Hall

May 17 • The brief but successful musical partnership between Lostock Hall Band and conductor Tommy Tynan has come to an end.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd