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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

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Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

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