On International Women's Day, the Band of the Welsh Guards was led by the Assistant Director of Music Captain Bethan Waters, together with the Bandmaster, WO2 David Hatton, with Able Musician Rebecca Nelson, of the Royal New Zealand Navy Band the excellent vocal soloist.

After the National Anthem, sung by Rebecca, the march 'The Welshman' introduced the melodies 'God Bless the Prince of Wales', 'All through the Night' and 'Men of Harlech'. 

Great contribution

Alfred Reed's colourful and energetic 'El Camino Real' revealed the tone colours of the band to good effect; the woodwind framed by the brass. The oboe made a great contribution to the delicate central section, with a lovely bass section formed of two bassoons, bass clarinet and baritone sax.

Rebecca brought a New Zealand song 'Tarakihi', returning later to present 'All Through the Night' and the 'Anthem’ from ‘Chess'.

Curious mix

'In the Miller Mood' was a curious mix of styles; at times close to the original but often employing scoring and harmonies that seemed out of place. The cinematic pastiche 'Resplendent Glory', however, ticked all the boxes with its whooping horns, soaring trumpet and busy counterpoint, with key elements of the western and space epic.

The second half began in spectacular fashion with 'Battle Hymn' from 'This Age of Kings'; with antiphonal sets of timpani and trumpets up in the gallery. The aptly-named 'Hypnosis' was an excellent showcase for flautist L/Cpl Max Mason, the solo line wending its way over an atmospheric accompaniment with prominent vibraphone. 

The cinematic pastiche 'Resplendent Glory', however, ticked all the boxes with its whooping horns, soaring trumpet and busy counterpoint, with key elements of the western and space epic.

Compelling

Wynne Evans has enjoyed a successful opera career alongside his advertising campaign for ‘Go Compare’, and he presented a compelling account of 'Myfanwy'.

After the reflective 'With Each Sunset' the evening drew to a close with 'Day of the Dragon', featuring flute, trombone (Sgt. Andrew Mercer), French horn (Sgt Gary Llewellyn, making his final appearance with the band, and flugel horn. 

'Men of Harlech' was presented initially as a fugue before building to a rousing climax that almost had one expecting to see Ivor Emmanuel facing the Zulu Impi hordes.

Following the Regimental quick march, 'The Rising of the Lark', Rebecca and Wynne joined the band to sing the Welsh National Anthem to close a fine event.

Peter Bale