*
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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd