*
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    


Louis Dowdeswell

Dowdeswell ready for final print run

October 15 • The new album from trumpet star Louis Dowdeswell is set to bring high intensity brass to the classics .


Rochdale Contest

Bands ready for Rochdale own-choice challenges

October 15 • There are plenty of bands and plenty of musical choice to enjoy at the Rochdale Contest this weekend.


Wychavon

Wychavon Festival of Brass line-ups confirmed

October 15 • There will be a full day of entertainment at The De Montfort School in Evesham later this month.


Boscombe

Boscombe to welcome Black Dyke Band for 140th anniversary

October 15 • Boscombe Band of the Salvation Army will welcome Black Dyke Band for a joint concert to celebrate 140 years of music making and worship.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 15 • We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd horn player, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! We are a second section band, and rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd