*
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

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Spring Festival

Run event reminder for Spring Festival

April 29 • Birmingham will be busy with runners on the Spring Festival weekend


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd