News
News on forthcoming projects and events in which Craig is currently involved can be found via the below websites. Please scroll down for archived news items
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Lewis Merthyr Band
www.lewismerthyrband.com City of Bristol Brass Band www.cobbb.co.uk Estes Park International Tattoo www.epitattoo.com Musikfest Der Bundeswehr www.musikfestbw.de Grimethorpe Colliery Band www.grimethorpeband.com St Elvan's, Cynon Valley www.stelvans.com Symphonic Brass Wales www.symphonicbrasswales.com Treherbert & District Band www.treherbertband.weebly.com |
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2024 Projects
Special projects Craig will be working on in 2024 include:
Voices From Underground
www.stelvans.com/voices-from-underground
Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary
www.croberts100.com/lotr
Haggarfest
www.stelvans.com/haggarfest
Details of performances Craig will direct and be involved in through 2024 are available at:
City of Bristol Brass Band
www.cobbb.co.uk
Estes Park International Tattoo
www.epitattoo.com
Lewis Merthyr Band
www.lewismerthyrband.com
Musikfest Der Bundeswehr
www.musikfestbw.de
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com
For Craig's full 2024 diary, visit the Diary page of this website here
Voices From Underground
www.stelvans.com/voices-from-underground
Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary
www.croberts100.com/lotr
Haggarfest
www.stelvans.com/haggarfest
Details of performances Craig will direct and be involved in through 2024 are available at:
City of Bristol Brass Band
www.cobbb.co.uk
Estes Park International Tattoo
www.epitattoo.com
Lewis Merthyr Band
www.lewismerthyrband.com
Musikfest Der Bundeswehr
www.musikfestbw.de
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com
For Craig's full 2024 diary, visit the Diary page of this website here
2024 West of England First Section Champions
In March 2024, Craig direct City of Bristol Brass Band to be named the 2024 West of England First Section Champions. The band were placed first out of 18 bands in the annual championships, held at the Riviera Centre, Torquay
Bristol's performance of Eric Ball's "High Peak" was highly commended by adjudicators Dr Stephen Cobb and Christopher Binns, with the band's performance described by the adjudicators as "commendable", "strong and confident" with "lovely sound quality" and "very confident playing from a very capable band" - "bravo MD and band"
In September 2024, City of Bristol will now go on to represent the West of England in the Finals of the National Championships of Great Britain held at The Centaur, Cheltenham, and will also be promoted to the elite Championship section in 2025 based on the band's consistent excellence over the past three years
The full results of the competition are outlined below
2024 West of England First Section Championships
Saturday March 9th
Riviera Centre, Torquay
Adjudicators: Christopher Binns & Dr Stephen Cobb
1. City of Bristol Brass (Craig Roberts)
2. Michelmersh Silver (Kevin Smith)
3. Lydbrook (Gareth Ritter)
4. Helston Town (John Berryman)
5. Chalford (Steve Tubb)
6. Roche Brass (Keith Maxwell)
7. Forest of Dean Brass (Martyn Patterson)
8. Glastonbury Brass (Phil Randall)
9. Hyde (Nigel Seaman)
10. Lympstone (Chris Spreadbury)
11. Soundhouse Brass Plymouth (Lee Clayson)
12. Weston Brass (Ian Dickinson)
13. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Lloyd Bartlett)
14. Wotton under Edge & District (Jim Bennett)
15. Hatherleigh Silver (Matt Green)
16. Lanner & District Silver (David Johnson)
17. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
18. Otterbourne Brass (Jonathan Lush Camps LRSM)
For further information on City of Bristol Brass Band and the band's wider performances and projects, visit the band's own website www.cobbb.co.uk
Oriana Festival
Craig was delighted to perform in and support the inaugural Oriana Festival, a NEW festival of contemporary Welsh classical music, featuring the music of some of Wales' leading contemporary classical composers and performers
With the generous support of the Pen Y Cymoedd Community Fund, RCT Cohesion Team and Ev-entz, Newport, the inaugural Oriana Festival took place at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday October 21st 2023, and featured former Royal harpist Claire Jones, composer | percussionist Chris Marshall, plus Rhondda Cynon Taf's own Lewis Merthyr Band and the Big Hearts International Cultural Ensemble of Nigeria
Music featured in the 2023 Oriana Festival included the performance and launch of a new album of the music of Mervyn Burtch, plus the premiere performances of new music by Gareth Wood, Chris Marshall, Christopher Painter - and more
Such was the success and warm reception of the inaugural event, the Oriana Festival is planned to be repeated in a new annual standing date in May - Saturday May 18th will see the 2024 event take place at St Elvan's and feature Rhondda Symphony Orchestra, Lewis Merthyr Band and the premiere performance of a new work by the eminent RCT composer Gareth Wood
Full information on the 2024 event will be published in early Spring
Images from the 2023 festival and up to the minute information on Oriana 2024 is available on the festival's Facebook channel at www.facebook.com/oriana.festival
Further information is available at www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
With the generous support of the Pen Y Cymoedd Community Fund, RCT Cohesion Team and Ev-entz, Newport, the inaugural Oriana Festival took place at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday October 21st 2023, and featured former Royal harpist Claire Jones, composer | percussionist Chris Marshall, plus Rhondda Cynon Taf's own Lewis Merthyr Band and the Big Hearts International Cultural Ensemble of Nigeria
Music featured in the 2023 Oriana Festival included the performance and launch of a new album of the music of Mervyn Burtch, plus the premiere performances of new music by Gareth Wood, Chris Marshall, Christopher Painter - and more
Such was the success and warm reception of the inaugural event, the Oriana Festival is planned to be repeated in a new annual standing date in May - Saturday May 18th will see the 2024 event take place at St Elvan's and feature Rhondda Symphony Orchestra, Lewis Merthyr Band and the premiere performance of a new work by the eminent RCT composer Gareth Wood
Full information on the 2024 event will be published in early Spring
Images from the 2023 festival and up to the minute information on Oriana 2024 is available on the festival's Facebook channel at www.facebook.com/oriana.festival
Further information is available at www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
Samara | Moscow
Following Craig's participation in the Arctic Brotherhood 80th anniversary events at Murmansk in October 2022, Craig was invited to participate in a further song festival and cultural conference in Samara, Russia in May 2023
There Craig worked together with the Samara Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet Symphony Orchestra, the Zhigulevsk Concert Band and Togliatti Philharmonic Big Band and soloists, plus a range of international performers and speakers from Catalonia, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Nicaragua, Russia, Scotland, Slovenia, all headlined by actor and blues musician Steven Seagal, USA
Excerpts from the performances and media features can be found below
Interview & 1812 Overture with Samara Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet Symphony Orchestra
vk.com/video/@sovanews63
Additional 1812 excerpt and news report
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEpCAkCD52o
There Craig worked together with the Samara Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet Symphony Orchestra, the Zhigulevsk Concert Band and Togliatti Philharmonic Big Band and soloists, plus a range of international performers and speakers from Catalonia, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Nicaragua, Russia, Scotland, Slovenia, all headlined by actor and blues musician Steven Seagal, USA
Excerpts from the performances and media features can be found below
Interview & 1812 Overture with Samara Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet Symphony Orchestra
vk.com/video/@sovanews63
Additional 1812 excerpt and news report
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEpCAkCD52o
Regional Championships 2023
For the 2023 UK Regional Championships, Craig worked with Lewis Merthyr Band, City of Bristol Brass and also Jersey Premiere Brass. The bands were all First Division bands and were placed, respectively, 5th (out of 9) in the Welsh Regional Championships, 7th (out of 18) in the West of England Championships, and 5th (out of 15) in the London & Southern Counties Championships
All bands gave very strong performances of the set work, Philip Lawrence's "A Day In The Life Of A Knight", a particularly strong improvement from Jersey under the direction of their Musical Director Jason Mildren, greatly improving on their previous year's 15th placing
City of Bristol and Lewis Merthyr will both reprise their performances of Philip's excellent work at the St George's Day Prom on Sunday April 23rd in the 1532 Performing Arts Centre of Bristol Grammar School with City of Bristol,
and at the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 20th by Lewis Merthyr
Tickets for both events are available from both bands or direct from the venues via the links below
All bands gave very strong performances of the set work, Philip Lawrence's "A Day In The Life Of A Knight", a particularly strong improvement from Jersey under the direction of their Musical Director Jason Mildren, greatly improving on their previous year's 15th placing
City of Bristol and Lewis Merthyr will both reprise their performances of Philip's excellent work at the St George's Day Prom on Sunday April 23rd in the 1532 Performing Arts Centre of Bristol Grammar School with City of Bristol,
and at the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 20th by Lewis Merthyr
Tickets for both events are available from both bands or direct from the venues via the links below
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St George's Day Prom
City of Bristol Brass Band 1532 Performing Arts Centre Bristol Grammar School www.ticketsource.co.uk |
Oriana Festival
Lewis Merthyr Band St Elvan's, Cynon Valley Rhondda Cynon Taf www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival |
A live recording of the Welsh Regional Championships performance by Lewis Merthyr Band at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea is available below
Jersey Bound
Craig recently travelled to the island of Jersey to work with Jersey Premiere Brass for a weekend of workshops in preparation for the band's forthcoming participation in the London & Southern Counties Regional Championships, performing "A Day In The Life Of A Knight" by Phil Lawrence
Craig will also be conducting City of Bristol Band at the West of England Championships at the Riviera Centre, Torquay and Lewis Merthyr Band at the Welsh Regional Championships in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Further information on Jersey Premier Brass is available at the band's website www.jerseypremierbrass.org.je
Craig will also be conducting City of Bristol Band at the West of England Championships at the Riviera Centre, Torquay and Lewis Merthyr Band at the Welsh Regional Championships in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Further information on Jersey Premier Brass is available at the band's website www.jerseypremierbrass.org.je
Lone Ranger Premiere
On Saturday February 18th, Craig and Lewis Merthyr Band gave the first performance of Christopher Painter's setting of "The Lone Ranger" for brass band at the Welsh Open Championships in the Riverfront Theatre, Newport
Lewis Merthyr presented a “Day At The Movies” themed programme consisting of the themes from Back To The Future, Ice Castles, Aardman Animations' Chicken Run, Ralph Vaughan Williams' Prelude: 49th Parallel and the premiere performance of the Finale from The Lone Ranger
Feature soloist Morgan Rees Drew particular praise for his exceptional performance of the Grammy nominated theme from “Ice Castles” and the band delighted in presenting the the first performance of "The Lone Ranger", arranged especially for Lewis Merthyr Band and the event by Christopher Painter
The above works will now go on to form the basis of the band’s programme for a special Night at the Movies concert “Soundtracks, Stories & Song” at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon on Friday April 14th. Additional works featured there include the themes from Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and more, plus music accompanying the silent films of Welsh film pioneer William Haggar, and the premiere performance on brass of music by the first female composer of music for film, Grace Williams
Tickets and further information on the above performance at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon at 7:30pm on Friday April 14th are available online from www.brycheiniog.co.uk/en/whats-on
For details of additional forthcoming Lewis Merthyr Band performances, visit the Engagements section of the band's own website www.lewismerthyrband.com
Lewis Merthyr presented a “Day At The Movies” themed programme consisting of the themes from Back To The Future, Ice Castles, Aardman Animations' Chicken Run, Ralph Vaughan Williams' Prelude: 49th Parallel and the premiere performance of the Finale from The Lone Ranger
Feature soloist Morgan Rees Drew particular praise for his exceptional performance of the Grammy nominated theme from “Ice Castles” and the band delighted in presenting the the first performance of "The Lone Ranger", arranged especially for Lewis Merthyr Band and the event by Christopher Painter
The above works will now go on to form the basis of the band’s programme for a special Night at the Movies concert “Soundtracks, Stories & Song” at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon on Friday April 14th. Additional works featured there include the themes from Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and more, plus music accompanying the silent films of Welsh film pioneer William Haggar, and the premiere performance on brass of music by the first female composer of music for film, Grace Williams
Tickets and further information on the above performance at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon at 7:30pm on Friday April 14th are available online from www.brycheiniog.co.uk/en/whats-on
For details of additional forthcoming Lewis Merthyr Band performances, visit the Engagements section of the band's own website www.lewismerthyrband.com
The Snowman Live
In addition to a wide range of festive events, throughout December Craig directed five sell-out performances of The Snowman Live with Lewis Merthyr and City of Bristol Bands at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley and the Curzon Cinema. Both bands were delighted to perform to large family crowds and look forward to repeating the show in December 2023
Arctic Brotherhood
Craig recently travelled to Kirkenes, Norway and Murmansk, Russia to participate in a series of events marking the 80th anniversary of the Arctic Brotherhood
The Arctic convoys of World War II were oceangoing convoys which sailed from the United Kingdom, Iceland, and North America to northern ports in the Soviet Union, primarily Arkhangelsk (Archangel) and Murmansk. This was an international collaboration which helped keep alive and support the Russian war effort
The 2022 Arctic Brotherhood cultural conference featured performers and historians from Canada, Estonia, England, Ireland, Russia, Scotland and Wales. The events reflected on the previous positives relationships and partnerships between all nations represented, and discussion and hope around restoration of the same, hopefully sometime soon
The Arctic convoys of World War II were oceangoing convoys which sailed from the United Kingdom, Iceland, and North America to northern ports in the Soviet Union, primarily Arkhangelsk (Archangel) and Murmansk. This was an international collaboration which helped keep alive and support the Russian war effort
The 2022 Arctic Brotherhood cultural conference featured performers and historians from Canada, Estonia, England, Ireland, Russia, Scotland and Wales. The events reflected on the previous positives relationships and partnerships between all nations represented, and discussion and hope around restoration of the same, hopefully sometime soon
Autumn | Winter Season at St Elvan's Announced
The incredible autumn | winter events programme at St Elvan's, Cynon Vavley is now live and tickets available for all events!
A fantastic and varied series of events for all interests are available over the coming weeks and months, and the team are thoroughly looking forward to welcoming "Hi De Hi" star Ruth Madoc, RCT Bookfest, Cynon Valley Film Festival, "A Night at the Movies" plus the return of the monthly WAM (Words - Art - Music) Nights, An Evening of Remembrance, Christmas The Story, Santa’s Grotto, "The Snowman - Live" and much, much more!
For full details of all forthcoming events at St Elvan's, visit www.stelvans.com/events
Booking is available online, by telephone from 0333 666 4466, and also in person from the front desk at St Elvan's, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00
We look forward to seeing you at St Elvan’s soon! www.stelvans.com/events
A fantastic and varied series of events for all interests are available over the coming weeks and months, and the team are thoroughly looking forward to welcoming "Hi De Hi" star Ruth Madoc, RCT Bookfest, Cynon Valley Film Festival, "A Night at the Movies" plus the return of the monthly WAM (Words - Art - Music) Nights, An Evening of Remembrance, Christmas The Story, Santa’s Grotto, "The Snowman - Live" and much, much more!
For full details of all forthcoming events at St Elvan's, visit www.stelvans.com/events
Booking is available online, by telephone from 0333 666 4466, and also in person from the front desk at St Elvan's, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00
We look forward to seeing you at St Elvan’s soon! www.stelvans.com/events
Estes Park International Tattoo
This September, Craig will travel, together with City of Bristol Brass Band, to Colorado, USA where they will perform in the newly rebranded Estes Park International Tattoo
Now entering its 46th year, the Tattoo was founded by Dr James Durward in 1976 and continues today under the presidency of his daughter, Peggy Sue Young. A mix of military ceremony, highland music and culture, the 2022 EPI Tattoo will also feature the 3rd US Marine Aircraft Wing Band, massed pipes & drums, international Highland Dance team and vocalist
For full information on the Tattoo and wider Estes Park Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, visit www.epitattoo.com
Now entering its 46th year, the Tattoo was founded by Dr James Durward in 1976 and continues today under the presidency of his daughter, Peggy Sue Young. A mix of military ceremony, highland music and culture, the 2022 EPI Tattoo will also feature the 3rd US Marine Aircraft Wing Band, massed pipes & drums, international Highland Dance team and vocalist
For full information on the Tattoo and wider Estes Park Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, visit www.epitattoo.com
Fulling Mill Lea Premiere
In July, Craig and Lewis Merthyr Band travelled to Kerkrade, Netherlands to represent Wales at the prestigious World Music Contest. Held only once every four years, the WMC is one of the world's most renowned music events
At Kerkrade, Craig and the band were delighted to present the world premiere performance of Chris Marshall's "Fulling Mill Lea". Marshall's "cantata to the Rhondda" was written especially for Craig and Lewis Merthyr Band in 2020, to mark the 110th anniversary of the Tonypandy Riots
The premiere performance of Fulling Mill Lea is available to view below. The UK premiere will take place in Autumn | Winter 2022, with a further performance - with male voice choir - to take place in 2023. Further information on all performances will be posted to the Engagements area of the Lewis Merthyr website www.lewismerthyrband.com
Additional information on the work and a programme note for Fulling Mill Lea is available at
www.lewismerthyrband.com/fulling-mill-lea
At Kerkrade, Craig and the band were delighted to present the world premiere performance of Chris Marshall's "Fulling Mill Lea". Marshall's "cantata to the Rhondda" was written especially for Craig and Lewis Merthyr Band in 2020, to mark the 110th anniversary of the Tonypandy Riots
The premiere performance of Fulling Mill Lea is available to view below. The UK premiere will take place in Autumn | Winter 2022, with a further performance - with male voice choir - to take place in 2023. Further information on all performances will be posted to the Engagements area of the Lewis Merthyr website www.lewismerthyrband.com
Additional information on the work and a programme note for Fulling Mill Lea is available at
www.lewismerthyrband.com/fulling-mill-lea
Caradogfest
"Caradogfest", a 150th anniversary celebration of the achievements of Griffith Rhys Jones, "Caradog", and the 400 strong voice Côr Mawr recently took place in the town of Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Marking the award winning performance by the 400 strong Welsh choir at the Crystal Palace, London in 1872, the festival consisted of a series of events running throughout July in Aberdare "Town of Song". Caradogfest featured exhibitions, talks and choral performances, and centred on the weekend of July 15th & 16th when the reenactment of the 400 strong "Côr Mawr" and surrounding FREE choral festival, plus additional procession, individual events and promotions, took place
Craig was delighted to event manage the procession and main event, and to play a role of the working group for the inaugural annual event
Further information on Caradogfest 2022 can be found at the event website www.caradogfest.com
Marking the award winning performance by the 400 strong Welsh choir at the Crystal Palace, London in 1872, the festival consisted of a series of events running throughout July in Aberdare "Town of Song". Caradogfest featured exhibitions, talks and choral performances, and centred on the weekend of July 15th & 16th when the reenactment of the 400 strong "Côr Mawr" and surrounding FREE choral festival, plus additional procession, individual events and promotions, took place
Craig was delighted to event manage the procession and main event, and to play a role of the working group for the inaugural annual event
Further information on Caradogfest 2022 can be found at the event website www.caradogfest.com
Eastern Horizons Revealed
Craig and Lewis Merthyr Band recently gave the premiere performance of Eastern Horizons by Gareth Trott at the Welsh Open Championships, held at The Riverfront, Newport
Commissioned in partnership with the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Eastern Horizons was one of Lewis Merthyr's "New Directions" commissions, supported by strategic funds from the Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government
The work is in five movements - City of Diamonds (India); The Moscow High Life (Russia); The Turkish Rakass (Turkey); Lament for a Forgotten Empire (Persia) and Sandstorm In Cairo (Egypt)
Commissioned in partnership with the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Eastern Horizons was one of Lewis Merthyr's "New Directions" commissions, supported by strategic funds from the Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government
The work is in five movements - City of Diamonds (India); The Moscow High Life (Russia); The Turkish Rakass (Turkey); Lament for a Forgotten Empire (Persia) and Sandstorm In Cairo (Egypt)
The Snowman Live!
Throughout December, Craig and Lewis Merthyr Band featured a series of performances across Rhondda Cynon Taf and wider, including three performances of the beloved classic Christmas movie "The Snowman", where the band performed the full score to the movie together with live screening in the glorious surroundings of the beautifully renovated St Elvan's Church in Aberdare, Cynon Valley
Also featured in the performances was additional music from "Frozen", "Santa Claus: The Movie", Slade's "Merry Christmas Everybody", Jingle Bells" and more! "The Snowman - Live" proved incredibly popular with audiences of all ages, and saw sell out performances throughout the three show run
Below can be found a live performance of Symphonic Highlights from "Frozen" which was recorded as part of "The Snowman - Live" performances at St Elvan's in December 2021
Bookings for "The Snowman Live" in December 2022 are now being taken. For further information and availability, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/the-snowman-live For further information on additional events at St Elvan's, visit www.stelvans.com
Also featured in the performances was additional music from "Frozen", "Santa Claus: The Movie", Slade's "Merry Christmas Everybody", Jingle Bells" and more! "The Snowman - Live" proved incredibly popular with audiences of all ages, and saw sell out performances throughout the three show run
Below can be found a live performance of Symphonic Highlights from "Frozen" which was recorded as part of "The Snowman - Live" performances at St Elvan's in December 2021
Bookings for "The Snowman Live" in December 2022 are now being taken. For further information and availability, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/the-snowman-live For further information on additional events at St Elvan's, visit www.stelvans.com
Christmas Carols for Care Homes
In December 2021, City of Bristol Brass Band worked together with Alive, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people and their carers, to record a series of Christmas Carols which were then made available to care home residents to enjoy and sing along to throughout the Christmas period. Samples of the content, including the traditional carols Deck the Halls, Away In A Manger, The First Nowell, Good King Wenceslas and We Wish You A Merry Christmas, can be found below. Further information on Alive Activities and their work can be found at aliveactivities.org while information on City of Bristol Brass Band can be found at www.cobbb.co.uk
Burtch On Brass
Lewis Merthyr are delighted to be returning to the recording studio this autumn. Following on from the band's highly successful "Brass & Voices of Wales" album, recorded with Owain Arwel Hughes CBE for the Welsh Proms in 2018, in November of this year the band will now be realising a long planned recording project featuring the brass works of the renowned Welsh composer Mervyn Burtch.
Mervyn was Head of the Performance course at the then Welsh College of Music & Drama until 1989, after which time he devoted himself entirely to composition. His extensive output of instrumental and vocal works included 17 string quartets, 14 concertos, 13 operas for children and numerous choral and brass band pieces. Burtch's collaborators included The Banff Centre, Alberta, Manitoba Opera and CanWest Performing Arts Centre, Winnipeg Canada; the Royal Albert Hall, London; Welsh National Opera Company; National Youth Ensembles of Wales and Lewis Merthyr Band.
Lewis Merthyr Band enjoyed a long and close association with Mervyn Burtch, which began in the 1980's between the composer and then Musical Director Nigel Seaman. Mervyn wrote two works specifically for Lewis Merthyr. In 1982, the band gave the first performance and broadcast of Mervyn Burtch's Overture: Pinocchio and, a year later in 1983, the premiere broadcast performance of Paean, both for the BBC
It is these two works, written especially for the band, that will feature on the disc, together with Burtch's recently rediscovered "Wind In The Willows" suite and, perhaps his most highly regarded work, "The Spirit of Conflict"
The band are thoroughly looking forward to working on the project and to realising this landmark recording of the brass works of one of Wales' most renowned composers, and a composer with a direct connection to Lewis Merthyr Band
Further updates on the recording will be placed here in due course. A copy of the premiere broadcast of Paean, by the band for the BBC, is available below. The band's previous recording, "Brass & Voices of Wales" is available for download from www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com
Mervyn was Head of the Performance course at the then Welsh College of Music & Drama until 1989, after which time he devoted himself entirely to composition. His extensive output of instrumental and vocal works included 17 string quartets, 14 concertos, 13 operas for children and numerous choral and brass band pieces. Burtch's collaborators included The Banff Centre, Alberta, Manitoba Opera and CanWest Performing Arts Centre, Winnipeg Canada; the Royal Albert Hall, London; Welsh National Opera Company; National Youth Ensembles of Wales and Lewis Merthyr Band.
Lewis Merthyr Band enjoyed a long and close association with Mervyn Burtch, which began in the 1980's between the composer and then Musical Director Nigel Seaman. Mervyn wrote two works specifically for Lewis Merthyr. In 1982, the band gave the first performance and broadcast of Mervyn Burtch's Overture: Pinocchio and, a year later in 1983, the premiere broadcast performance of Paean, both for the BBC
It is these two works, written especially for the band, that will feature on the disc, together with Burtch's recently rediscovered "Wind In The Willows" suite and, perhaps his most highly regarded work, "The Spirit of Conflict"
The band are thoroughly looking forward to working on the project and to realising this landmark recording of the brass works of one of Wales' most renowned composers, and a composer with a direct connection to Lewis Merthyr Band
Further updates on the recording will be placed here in due course. A copy of the premiere broadcast of Paean, by the band for the BBC, is available below. The band's previous recording, "Brass & Voices of Wales" is available for download from www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com
Surtaal Celebrates!
“Surtaal Celebrates” is the exciting new musical fusion project by Grimethorpe Colliery Band, composer Liz Lane and RSVP Bhangra
The project, which is supported by the PRS For Music and which launched this August Bank Holiday weekend, celebrates the return of live music making, and combines that with the “virtual” style of music making which proved so popular with performers and audiences worldwide through lockdown
The launch video for the project features the world’s most famous colliery band, Grimethorpe, together with Surtaal co-writers RSVP Bhangra; soprano Belinda Evans; a vocal quartet of The Guards Chapel, London; the Carducci String Quartet; and Darius Battiwalla and the organ of Leeds Town Hall
This incredible ensemble however, is just the start! The 'Surtaal Celebrates' project is open to ALL music makers from across the U.K. - and wider! - to get involved in
A range of FREE resources, including sheet music, backing tracks and more, are now available online via the Grimethorpe Colliery Band website, for individuals and groups to download, perform, record and contribute to the project
Whatever your instrument or voice - from harps to handbells, bodhran to barbershop choir - Grimethorpe would like YOU to join together with all the above performers, and contribute your own video to this global celebration of the return of live music
Videos are being collected over the coming weeks, via easyvirtualchoir.com, with a final massed showcase presentation then being released online, to coincide with the Diwali celebrations on Thursday November 4th
Grimethorpe Colliery Band Musical Director David Thornton stated, “Surtaal Celebrates seeks to represent the delight which all music makers across the UK and wider feel being able to once again make music live together again, and also celebrates the new found global connectivity which online music-making has given us, and was such a lifeline to many throughout the lockdown period. It’s been a pleasure for Grimethorpe to work on this project together with Liz, RSVP and all who contributed to the project launch video. We hope the project will inspire others to join us in celebrating this moment and to contribute their own videos to the project. We look forward to the final massed presentation in November and to returning to live making music across the UK and wider from this autumn”
Composer Liz Lane stated “I love new collaborations and ideas - it has been fantastic to work with Grimethorpe Colliery Band on this exciting and innovative project which combines so many musical forces live and remote, incorporating the vibrant music of my friends RSVP Bhangra. My thanks go out to all involved from far and wide - and I can't wait to hear how additional musicians choose join in over the next few weeks (we already have harps, handbells and a Spanish barbershop choir!)
Speaking on behalf of RSVP Bhangra, Dildar Singh said “We have come together to synergise creative innovations. These spirits in this current time of change, bring together a variety of live music environments. In addition, the project utilises technology to communicate and share with musicians across the world. These musicians share music and a message to the world, we are one world, so let's share love peace and respect love for everyone. Let's make this world a better place and celebrate with music song and dance, so play along and let's innovate - this is a message to all our existing and potential partners and future audiences - play along and let's innovate”
The project launch video is now available to view on all Grimethorpe Colliery Band social media channels. For full project information and resources, visit www.grimethorpeband.co.uk/surtaal-celebrates
The project, which is supported by the PRS For Music and which launched this August Bank Holiday weekend, celebrates the return of live music making, and combines that with the “virtual” style of music making which proved so popular with performers and audiences worldwide through lockdown
The launch video for the project features the world’s most famous colliery band, Grimethorpe, together with Surtaal co-writers RSVP Bhangra; soprano Belinda Evans; a vocal quartet of The Guards Chapel, London; the Carducci String Quartet; and Darius Battiwalla and the organ of Leeds Town Hall
This incredible ensemble however, is just the start! The 'Surtaal Celebrates' project is open to ALL music makers from across the U.K. - and wider! - to get involved in
A range of FREE resources, including sheet music, backing tracks and more, are now available online via the Grimethorpe Colliery Band website, for individuals and groups to download, perform, record and contribute to the project
Whatever your instrument or voice - from harps to handbells, bodhran to barbershop choir - Grimethorpe would like YOU to join together with all the above performers, and contribute your own video to this global celebration of the return of live music
Videos are being collected over the coming weeks, via easyvirtualchoir.com, with a final massed showcase presentation then being released online, to coincide with the Diwali celebrations on Thursday November 4th
Grimethorpe Colliery Band Musical Director David Thornton stated, “Surtaal Celebrates seeks to represent the delight which all music makers across the UK and wider feel being able to once again make music live together again, and also celebrates the new found global connectivity which online music-making has given us, and was such a lifeline to many throughout the lockdown period. It’s been a pleasure for Grimethorpe to work on this project together with Liz, RSVP and all who contributed to the project launch video. We hope the project will inspire others to join us in celebrating this moment and to contribute their own videos to the project. We look forward to the final massed presentation in November and to returning to live making music across the UK and wider from this autumn”
Composer Liz Lane stated “I love new collaborations and ideas - it has been fantastic to work with Grimethorpe Colliery Band on this exciting and innovative project which combines so many musical forces live and remote, incorporating the vibrant music of my friends RSVP Bhangra. My thanks go out to all involved from far and wide - and I can't wait to hear how additional musicians choose join in over the next few weeks (we already have harps, handbells and a Spanish barbershop choir!)
Speaking on behalf of RSVP Bhangra, Dildar Singh said “We have come together to synergise creative innovations. These spirits in this current time of change, bring together a variety of live music environments. In addition, the project utilises technology to communicate and share with musicians across the world. These musicians share music and a message to the world, we are one world, so let's share love peace and respect love for everyone. Let's make this world a better place and celebrate with music song and dance, so play along and let's innovate - this is a message to all our existing and potential partners and future audiences - play along and let's innovate”
The project launch video is now available to view on all Grimethorpe Colliery Band social media channels. For full project information and resources, visit www.grimethorpeband.co.uk/surtaal-celebrates
Surtaal Celebrates
by Liz Lane and RSVP Bhangra
Performers:
Grimethorpe Colliery Band, conducted by Dr David Thornton
RSVP Bhangra, soloist: Dildar Singh
Carducci String Quartet
Belinda Evans, soprano
Darius Battiwalla, organ
Vocal quartet from The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards Chapel): Belinda Evans, Vanessa Heine, Richard Robbins, Robert Garland
Locations:
Filmed at locations across the UK, including Elsecar Heritage Centre, Barnsley; Sandbanks Beach, Poole; Leeds Town Hall; St Mary’s Church, Pilleth and The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel), Wellington Barracks, London
Dr Liz Lane is supported by PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music
Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Liz Lane and RSVP Bhangra are indebted to the Performing Rights Society for Music and World of Sound for their support of this project
by Liz Lane and RSVP Bhangra
Performers:
Grimethorpe Colliery Band, conducted by Dr David Thornton
RSVP Bhangra, soloist: Dildar Singh
Carducci String Quartet
Belinda Evans, soprano
Darius Battiwalla, organ
Vocal quartet from The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards Chapel): Belinda Evans, Vanessa Heine, Richard Robbins, Robert Garland
Locations:
Filmed at locations across the UK, including Elsecar Heritage Centre, Barnsley; Sandbanks Beach, Poole; Leeds Town Hall; St Mary’s Church, Pilleth and The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel), Wellington Barracks, London
Dr Liz Lane is supported by PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music
Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Liz Lane and RSVP Bhangra are indebted to the Performing Rights Society for Music and World of Sound for their support of this project
Bristol Beckons
Craig is delighted to take up the position of Musical Director to City of Bristol Brass Band. Founded in 1936, COBB has performed at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, London; and has been named Champion Band at the LBBA, OBBA, WBBA & SWBBA Championships.
Artistically, the band has a number of exciting projects in the diary at present, which include the premiere of a new work especially written for the band by composer Laura Shipsey. Commissioned following a residency supported by Making Music, the national support body for UK voluntary music, "Of Far Flung Skies" will premiere at leading music venue St George's, Bristol on Sunday October 17th, in a concert conducted by both Craig and previous COBB MD Ian Holmes. The performance will also include additional music by David Bedford, Peter Graham & more. Full information and tickets are available from www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
The band's next engagement will then be the Wychavon Festival of Brass where the band will perform a programme created to specifically partner and complement the Shipsey commission. The contest takes place at De Montfort School, Evesham on Sunday October 30th. Full information is available at www.festivalofbrass.co.uk
Further information on City of Bristol Band is available at www.cobbb.co.uk
Artistically, the band has a number of exciting projects in the diary at present, which include the premiere of a new work especially written for the band by composer Laura Shipsey. Commissioned following a residency supported by Making Music, the national support body for UK voluntary music, "Of Far Flung Skies" will premiere at leading music venue St George's, Bristol on Sunday October 17th, in a concert conducted by both Craig and previous COBB MD Ian Holmes. The performance will also include additional music by David Bedford, Peter Graham & more. Full information and tickets are available from www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
The band's next engagement will then be the Wychavon Festival of Brass where the band will perform a programme created to specifically partner and complement the Shipsey commission. The contest takes place at De Montfort School, Evesham on Sunday October 30th. Full information is available at www.festivalofbrass.co.uk
Further information on City of Bristol Band is available at www.cobbb.co.uk
New Music featured at LMB
The latest article from David Francis and Wales Online on the history of Lewis Merthyr Band focuses on the band's keen approach to commissioning and performing new music, something which has seen a resurgence at the ensemble in recent years, adn particularly through the 2020 lockdown period
The band are indebted to David and Wales Online for their interest and numerous features. For additional information on Lewis Merthyr Band, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com
"Lewis Merthyr has a long history of performing and commissioning new music, and the band has held a close association with a number of prominent composers. Particularly notable among these were the band’s partnerships with the renowned Welsh composer Mervyn Burtch and the highly respected John Golland. Lewis Merthyr worked closely with both composers over a number of years and gave the premiere performances and broadcasts of Burtch’s "Pinocchio" in 1982 and "Paean", in 1983, and of Golland’s "Sounds", also 1983, in
broadcasts for the BBC
The band has also recently made available the only known recording of Golland’s "A Gloucester Psalm" from a performance of the work at Gloucester Cathedral. This is now available to listen to, together with numerous other works,
free of charge, on the band’s website and YouTube channel
In further work with the BBC, Lewis Merthyr gave the premiere broadcasts of both Goff Richards’ "Oceans" in 1984 and Peter Graham’s "Dimensions" in 1982, both of which are very popular and prominent works with brass bands internationally. The latter work, "Dimensions" was also recorded by the band on their "Centennial Brass" album
Other works that Lewis Merthyr have premiered include BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra violinist Charles Barnes’ "Prelude & Dance" in 1980, Stephen Hampton’s "Lacrymosa" in 1985, and "Overlord", the latter of which was premiered at the re-opening of the Lewis Merthyr Colliery as Rhondda Heritage Park in 1988
Most of the above works were commissioned and premiered during the tenure of longstanding former Lewis Merthyr musical director, the respected conductor and former Principal Tuba of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Nigel Seaman
Following on from this impressive period the band has now renewed their interest in new music under current musical director Craig Roberts
In April 2018, Lewis Merthyr gave the premiere performance of Helen Woods’ "Man Engine Anthem" and Dr Christopher Wood’s "Aberfan". This latter work was originally written for the famed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the premiere performance of the piece by the orchestra at the 2016 Welsh Proms was broadcast on Classic FM from St David’s Hall. The transcription for brass was then commissioned for Lewis Merthyr to perform at the 2018 Welsh Proms and, so popular was the response to the work, that the piece was recorded on the band’s most recent album "Brass & Voices of Wales". Both the premiere performance at the Welsh Proms and this recording were conducted by the renowned Welsh orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE
Through the latter half of 2020, thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, Lewis Merthyr has been exploring a further new project entitled "New Directions". This project will see the band work with a selection of leading composers and performers from across Wales and wider, to explore and create new musical works for brass band during lockdown. Featured composers include the Welsh movie soundtrack and contemporary music composer Andrew Powell plus newly released works by Mervyn Burtch, Grace Williams and from Christopher Painter and Oriana Publications. Additional collaborators include violinist and composer Steve Bingham, former royal harpist Claire Jones, composer and percussionist Chris Marshall, world percussionist Joji Hirota and former programme leader at the University of Salford Dr Mick Wilson
It will be exciting to see what this latest project and future new music projects generate from Lewis Merthyr Band
Additional information on the New Directions project can be found onthe band’s website at www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-directions
The band are indebted to David and Wales Online for their interest and numerous features. For additional information on Lewis Merthyr Band, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com
"Lewis Merthyr has a long history of performing and commissioning new music, and the band has held a close association with a number of prominent composers. Particularly notable among these were the band’s partnerships with the renowned Welsh composer Mervyn Burtch and the highly respected John Golland. Lewis Merthyr worked closely with both composers over a number of years and gave the premiere performances and broadcasts of Burtch’s "Pinocchio" in 1982 and "Paean", in 1983, and of Golland’s "Sounds", also 1983, in
broadcasts for the BBC
The band has also recently made available the only known recording of Golland’s "A Gloucester Psalm" from a performance of the work at Gloucester Cathedral. This is now available to listen to, together with numerous other works,
free of charge, on the band’s website and YouTube channel
In further work with the BBC, Lewis Merthyr gave the premiere broadcasts of both Goff Richards’ "Oceans" in 1984 and Peter Graham’s "Dimensions" in 1982, both of which are very popular and prominent works with brass bands internationally. The latter work, "Dimensions" was also recorded by the band on their "Centennial Brass" album
Other works that Lewis Merthyr have premiered include BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra violinist Charles Barnes’ "Prelude & Dance" in 1980, Stephen Hampton’s "Lacrymosa" in 1985, and "Overlord", the latter of which was premiered at the re-opening of the Lewis Merthyr Colliery as Rhondda Heritage Park in 1988
Most of the above works were commissioned and premiered during the tenure of longstanding former Lewis Merthyr musical director, the respected conductor and former Principal Tuba of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Nigel Seaman
Following on from this impressive period the band has now renewed their interest in new music under current musical director Craig Roberts
In April 2018, Lewis Merthyr gave the premiere performance of Helen Woods’ "Man Engine Anthem" and Dr Christopher Wood’s "Aberfan". This latter work was originally written for the famed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the premiere performance of the piece by the orchestra at the 2016 Welsh Proms was broadcast on Classic FM from St David’s Hall. The transcription for brass was then commissioned for Lewis Merthyr to perform at the 2018 Welsh Proms and, so popular was the response to the work, that the piece was recorded on the band’s most recent album "Brass & Voices of Wales". Both the premiere performance at the Welsh Proms and this recording were conducted by the renowned Welsh orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE
Through the latter half of 2020, thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, Lewis Merthyr has been exploring a further new project entitled "New Directions". This project will see the band work with a selection of leading composers and performers from across Wales and wider, to explore and create new musical works for brass band during lockdown. Featured composers include the Welsh movie soundtrack and contemporary music composer Andrew Powell plus newly released works by Mervyn Burtch, Grace Williams and from Christopher Painter and Oriana Publications. Additional collaborators include violinist and composer Steve Bingham, former royal harpist Claire Jones, composer and percussionist Chris Marshall, world percussionist Joji Hirota and former programme leader at the University of Salford Dr Mick Wilson
It will be exciting to see what this latest project and future new music projects generate from Lewis Merthyr Band
Additional information on the New Directions project can be found onthe band’s website at www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-directions
2020 | 21 Commissions
With the support of the Arts Council of Wales, Moondance Foundation, Ty Cerdd and Wales Arts International, in partnership with the Lewis Merthyr Band and Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT), Craig has recently commissioned a series of new works from a variety of leading composers.
In 2020, these included:
- Steve Bingham: Ascension
- Chris Marshall: Homecoming
- Andrew Powell: The Curious Case of The Hawk & The Wolf
- Gareth Trott: Eastern Horizons
- Grace Williams / Trans. Christopher Painter: Mountain Scene (from The Blue Scar)
For full information on all the above works, all commissioned with the support of the Arts Council of Wales, visit the New Directions project section of the Lewis Merthyr Band website here
For 2021 / 22, Craig has now commissioned four additional major new works, as follows:
- Chris Marshall: Cofion Tonypandy - Fulling Mill Lea (Cantata for The Rhondda)
- Chris Marshall: Freundschaft Feiern
- Paul Mealor: Concerto for Piano & Brass Band
- Gareth Wood: Under Milk Wood Suite - Rum & Laverbread
For additional information on the above, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/commissions and www.raft.cymru/cofio
For the full list of works that Craig has commissioned to date, visit the Commissions section of this website here
Symphonic Brass Returns
In mid-June, Craig will return to High Wycombe to direct another orchestral symphonic brass weekend
The event will feature music by Giovanni Gabrieli (Sonata Pian' e Forte), Robert Simpson (Canzona), Liz Lane (Antiphonary), Gareth Wood (Tientos Y Danzas) and Raymond Premru (Divertimento) and also see exploration of Mervyn Burtch's newly rediscovered Partita For Brass
Later in the summer, an ensemble from Symphonic Brass Wales have then been invited to return to Russia visiting Moscow and Yalta in August, and Ufa in the Bashkortostan Republic in October. Both visits are dependent on the continually developing situation with international travel. Updates will be posted on the Symphonic Brass Wales website www.symphonicbrasswales.com in due course
The event will feature music by Giovanni Gabrieli (Sonata Pian' e Forte), Robert Simpson (Canzona), Liz Lane (Antiphonary), Gareth Wood (Tientos Y Danzas) and Raymond Premru (Divertimento) and also see exploration of Mervyn Burtch's newly rediscovered Partita For Brass
Later in the summer, an ensemble from Symphonic Brass Wales have then been invited to return to Russia visiting Moscow and Yalta in August, and Ufa in the Bashkortostan Republic in October. Both visits are dependent on the continually developing situation with international travel. Updates will be posted on the Symphonic Brass Wales website www.symphonicbrasswales.com in due course
Brass Band Notes
As bands and ensembles across the UK now return to rehearsals following a year long hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic, Lewis Merthyr Band and Craig feature in another article in the popular Brass Band Notes column of Wales Online's David Francis:
"Lewis Merthyr has always been one of Wales’ most successful and prominent bands, performing for royalty and appearing at venues ranging from the Royal Albert Hall, London, to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen. In recent years, however, under the current musical director, Craig Roberts, the band have taken performances to new levels.
One of the first performances under Craig was the Wales v’s Italy warm up match for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where the band played for 52,981 people plus international television audience at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff – the band’s largest audience in their 150 year history.
Since that time the band has returned to the Stadium on numerous occasions, performing to record Pro14 crowds of 62,338 and 68,262 for Judgement Day 2016 & 2018, and also for the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 World Golden Oldies International Rugby Festival, which featured 120 participating teams representing 25 different nations from across the globe.
Lewis Merthyr was also the core of Wales’ first all-female brass band, forming an ensemble together with women from other bands across South Wales to perform, together with an all-female choir, for each of Wales’ 2017 Women’s Rugby Six Nations Championship home matches. The band then again formed an all-female band for the “Processions” Women’s Suffrage Centennial event, televised live from Cardiff Castle in July 2018. Lewis Merthyr Band itself has since performed for the Women’s Rugby Six Nations International matches at Cardiff Arms Park in 2019 and 2020.
Other major events the band has performed in, include National Theatre Wales’ 2016 City of the Unexpected Roald Dahl 100 celebrations, which saw the band perform across Cardiff city centre to tens of thousands of people and was again the focus of national television broadcasts. In April 2018 the band also supported the 11.2m Man Engine events at Cyfarthfa Castle and Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd. In June 2018, the band’s symphonic brass ensemble then performed for the launch of the Music Education report for Wales at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, additional contributors to which included Sir Karl Jenkins, Nicola Beneditti CBE, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and former Royal harpist Claire Jones.
Following performances at Wales’ national classical music festival, the Welsh Proms, in July 2018 and 2019, in October 2019 Lewis Merthyr then travelled to Belgium to perform alongside leading performing groups from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and South Korea at the Internationale Taptoe Belgie (Belgium International Tattoo) where the band featured in three performances at the 5000 seat capacity Versluys Dome, Ostend. As a result of further international performances in 2020 being postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic the band is now scheduled to pay a visit to both Russia and Colorado, USA in 2021
Throughout all its performances, large and small, Lewis Merthyr Band remains thoroughly committed to supporting its local community in Rhondda Cynon Taf, through the presentation of concert performances and supporting local events and functions across the County Borough and wider. The band looks forward to representing Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales at the highest level throughout all of its performances across the nation and beyond"
Further information on Lewis Merthyr Band and its current activities are available at www.lewismerthyrband.com
"Lewis Merthyr has always been one of Wales’ most successful and prominent bands, performing for royalty and appearing at venues ranging from the Royal Albert Hall, London, to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen. In recent years, however, under the current musical director, Craig Roberts, the band have taken performances to new levels.
One of the first performances under Craig was the Wales v’s Italy warm up match for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where the band played for 52,981 people plus international television audience at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff – the band’s largest audience in their 150 year history.
Since that time the band has returned to the Stadium on numerous occasions, performing to record Pro14 crowds of 62,338 and 68,262 for Judgement Day 2016 & 2018, and also for the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 World Golden Oldies International Rugby Festival, which featured 120 participating teams representing 25 different nations from across the globe.
Lewis Merthyr was also the core of Wales’ first all-female brass band, forming an ensemble together with women from other bands across South Wales to perform, together with an all-female choir, for each of Wales’ 2017 Women’s Rugby Six Nations Championship home matches. The band then again formed an all-female band for the “Processions” Women’s Suffrage Centennial event, televised live from Cardiff Castle in July 2018. Lewis Merthyr Band itself has since performed for the Women’s Rugby Six Nations International matches at Cardiff Arms Park in 2019 and 2020.
Other major events the band has performed in, include National Theatre Wales’ 2016 City of the Unexpected Roald Dahl 100 celebrations, which saw the band perform across Cardiff city centre to tens of thousands of people and was again the focus of national television broadcasts. In April 2018 the band also supported the 11.2m Man Engine events at Cyfarthfa Castle and Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd. In June 2018, the band’s symphonic brass ensemble then performed for the launch of the Music Education report for Wales at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, additional contributors to which included Sir Karl Jenkins, Nicola Beneditti CBE, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and former Royal harpist Claire Jones.
Following performances at Wales’ national classical music festival, the Welsh Proms, in July 2018 and 2019, in October 2019 Lewis Merthyr then travelled to Belgium to perform alongside leading performing groups from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and South Korea at the Internationale Taptoe Belgie (Belgium International Tattoo) where the band featured in three performances at the 5000 seat capacity Versluys Dome, Ostend. As a result of further international performances in 2020 being postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic the band is now scheduled to pay a visit to both Russia and Colorado, USA in 2021
Throughout all its performances, large and small, Lewis Merthyr Band remains thoroughly committed to supporting its local community in Rhondda Cynon Taf, through the presentation of concert performances and supporting local events and functions across the County Borough and wider. The band looks forward to representing Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales at the highest level throughout all of its performances across the nation and beyond"
Further information on Lewis Merthyr Band and its current activities are available at www.lewismerthyrband.com
Gwynfi Heritage
This summer, Gwynfi Miners Community Hall will launch Gwynfi Heritage Trails and Gwynfi Heritage Centre. Supported by an award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and additional support from the Welsh Government Cultural Recovery Fund, the centre will realise a series of Heritage Trails through and around the twin villages of Aber | Blaengwynfi, together with a newly established Heritage and Education Centre at Gwynfi Miners Community Hall.
Work is currently underway of the centre and trails. Full information is available on the project website at www.gwynfiheritage.com and accompanying social media channels
Work is currently underway of the centre and trails. Full information is available on the project website at www.gwynfiheritage.com and accompanying social media channels
EPI Tattoo
The Estes Park Tattoo has rebranded and launches both its new website and new international production team this Spring. The newly branded Estes Park International Tattoo will celebrate its 45th anniversary this September, and will celebrate with an international cast and production team drawn from the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Full details of the show will be published this summer, however provisional information, cast and further information are now available at www.epitattoo.com
The Estes Park International Tattoo will run on the weekend of September 10th to 12th at the Estes Park Fairgrounds, Colorado, USA as part of Scotfest, the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival. Information on the wider festival and tickets for Scotfest and the EPI Tattoo are available at www.scotfest.com
The Estes Park International Tattoo will run on the weekend of September 10th to 12th at the Estes Park Fairgrounds, Colorado, USA as part of Scotfest, the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival. Information on the wider festival and tickets for Scotfest and the EPI Tattoo are available at www.scotfest.com
Milestones Celebrated by Lewis Merthyr Band
The following is another feature on Lewis Merthyr Band by Celtic Newspapers and the "Brass Band Notes" column of David Francis. This edition features of two milestones of longstanding dedication by two of the band's Trustees Paul Williams and Ivor England
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Milestones Celebrated by Lewis Merthyr
As the New Year beckoned and we all said a welcome farewell to 2020, Rhondda’s Lewis Merthyr Band have been celebrating the significant milestones and achievement of two long-standing members and Trustees.
Firstly, the band said a huge and sincere thank you to longstanding Chair, and previously Band Manager and Secretary, Mr Paul Williams. At the band's recent online Annual General Meeting, Paul retired from the band's management team after an incredible fifty years of sterling service to Lewis Merthyr Band, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The band paid due tribute the following week with the presentation of a photographic portrait and Welsh slate plaque in thanks to "Mr Lewis Merthyr", presented above by current Band Secretary Samantha Bridger.
Paul will of course remain a playing member, Life Member and Trustee of the band, and will now be succeeded as Chair by former Vice Chair Robert Smith, who in turn will be replaced as Vice Chair by Claire Thomas. Also joining the 2021 band management team are Rhiannon Griffiths and Amie Roberts. The band’s full 2021 management team can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com
Also celebrating a major milestone was another Lewis Merthyr Trustee, Ivor England, who recently celebrated his 85th birthday. Ivor is a former trombonist with the band and was also a miner at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery itself, hence his incredible birthday cake, complete with mining theme - and trombone!
With a number of new music and concert projects to work on in the weeks and months ahead, and a new rehearsal base on - rather appropriately- Ifor Street, Trehafod, Lewis Merthyr look forward to a bright future and great year ahead in 2021. Further details of all the band’s planned projects and new rehearsal rooms can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/news
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Milestones Celebrated by Lewis Merthyr
As the New Year beckoned and we all said a welcome farewell to 2020, Rhondda’s Lewis Merthyr Band have been celebrating the significant milestones and achievement of two long-standing members and Trustees.
Firstly, the band said a huge and sincere thank you to longstanding Chair, and previously Band Manager and Secretary, Mr Paul Williams. At the band's recent online Annual General Meeting, Paul retired from the band's management team after an incredible fifty years of sterling service to Lewis Merthyr Band, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The band paid due tribute the following week with the presentation of a photographic portrait and Welsh slate plaque in thanks to "Mr Lewis Merthyr", presented above by current Band Secretary Samantha Bridger.
Paul will of course remain a playing member, Life Member and Trustee of the band, and will now be succeeded as Chair by former Vice Chair Robert Smith, who in turn will be replaced as Vice Chair by Claire Thomas. Also joining the 2021 band management team are Rhiannon Griffiths and Amie Roberts. The band’s full 2021 management team can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com
Also celebrating a major milestone was another Lewis Merthyr Trustee, Ivor England, who recently celebrated his 85th birthday. Ivor is a former trombonist with the band and was also a miner at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery itself, hence his incredible birthday cake, complete with mining theme - and trombone!
With a number of new music and concert projects to work on in the weeks and months ahead, and a new rehearsal base on - rather appropriately- Ifor Street, Trehafod, Lewis Merthyr look forward to a bright future and great year ahead in 2021. Further details of all the band’s planned projects and new rehearsal rooms can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/news
2020 News
Nadolig Llawen | Merry Christmas Rhondda!
"Nadolig Llawen | Merry Christmas Rhondda" was the festive initiative of the Rhondda Arts Festival Treorchy (RAFT). Aimed at spreading a little Christmas cheer through a difficult December, the festival asked residents from across Rhondda to record either their favourite Christmas song or a festive reading on a smartphone, which was then shared with local residents and wider followers on a daily basis throughout December
The initiative followed on from the “Good Evening Rhondda” series of Rhondda MP Chris Bryant earlier in the year, which featured a mix of local residents and celebrity performers such as Matt Lucas, Sir Tony Robinson, Griff Rhys Jones & more. Those videos are now available on the new "RAFT TV" YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAU1W32OeRpFFC-ug6eQBcQ
The Merry Christmas Rhondda videos can be found via the link below
The initiative followed on from the “Good Evening Rhondda” series of Rhondda MP Chris Bryant earlier in the year, which featured a mix of local residents and celebrity performers such as Matt Lucas, Sir Tony Robinson, Griff Rhys Jones & more. Those videos are now available on the new "RAFT TV" YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAU1W32OeRpFFC-ug6eQBcQ
The Merry Christmas Rhondda videos can be found via the link below
From Humble Beginnings to National Champions
Below is an article by Wales Online, published in newspapers across Wales on Thursday November 26th. Part of a series by David Francis on the history of various Welsh brass bands, the article covers the origins of Lewis Merthyr Band.
Additional articles on other aspects of the band's history will follow over the coming weeks. Further information on the history and current activities of Lewis Merthyr is also available on the band's website www.lewismerthyrband.com
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“A Damn Fine Band” so said HRH Edward, then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VIII, as was exclaimed on a Royal visit to the Rhondda in 1932. It was there that he heard the Cymmer Colliery Band, as they processed past him in their hometown of Porth, prompting the future king to address the remark to Colonel David Watts Morgan, the Royal escort on that occasion. A leading Welsh trade unionist and MP, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for bravery at the Battle of Cambrai, Watts Morgan had so many letters after his name (CBE DSO MP JP) that he was affectionately known by the South Wales miners as ‘Dai Alphabet’.
Cymmer is believed to have been in existence since 1855. The band was highly respected and prominent in its day, working with some of the leading artists of the time, including one of the first ever classical recording artists “Signor Foli”, Allan James Foley. Cymmer also performed for the visit of King George and Queen Mary to the Rhondda in 1912. The band was also always firmly at the heart of its community and is photographed performing for the unveiling of a war memorial to the fallen of the First World War atop Cymmer Mountainin 1919.
Cymmer was one of at least three bands in the Porth area of the Rhondda along with the Hafod Rechabites (Temperance) Band and the name that was to become lasting and most renowned – the Lewis Merthyr Band. All three of these bands thrived for decades in the central industrial hub that the Rhondda was renowned as, but two world wars and the decline of the mining industry would take their toll. By the start of the Second World War, Cymmer was no longer a production colliery and had become an adjunct to nearby Lewis Merthyr. So it was to be with the bands also. The bands merged after the Second World War, as the Rechabites band had done earlier and under the baton of Mr Oliver Jones, after not having competed since 1914, Lewis Merthyr went on to become both Double Welsh and UK National Champions winning both the Class C National Championships of Great Britain in 1950 and Class B Section the following year. They also won the Class A South Wales & Monmouthshire Association Championships in 1951 and 1952. This was a truly incredible achievement.
Lewis Merthyr would continue to enjoy additional successes throughout the decades that followed, becoming Champion Band of Wales, Welsh League Champions, Miner’s Welfare Entertainments(CISWO) Champions and more. The band has also represented Wales in the Championship Section of the National Championships of Great Britain on eight occasions at the Royal Albert Hall, London and the European Championships in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Lewis Merthyr’s achievements through the years are legion and they remain prominent among Wales and the Rhondda’s fine brass bands to this day.
For further information on Lewis Merthyr and Cymmer Colliery Band, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com Any new information on the history of the bands or collieries not yet published on the sites is always welcome
Additional articles on other aspects of the band's history will follow over the coming weeks. Further information on the history and current activities of Lewis Merthyr is also available on the band's website www.lewismerthyrband.com
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“A Damn Fine Band” so said HRH Edward, then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VIII, as was exclaimed on a Royal visit to the Rhondda in 1932. It was there that he heard the Cymmer Colliery Band, as they processed past him in their hometown of Porth, prompting the future king to address the remark to Colonel David Watts Morgan, the Royal escort on that occasion. A leading Welsh trade unionist and MP, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for bravery at the Battle of Cambrai, Watts Morgan had so many letters after his name (CBE DSO MP JP) that he was affectionately known by the South Wales miners as ‘Dai Alphabet’.
Cymmer is believed to have been in existence since 1855. The band was highly respected and prominent in its day, working with some of the leading artists of the time, including one of the first ever classical recording artists “Signor Foli”, Allan James Foley. Cymmer also performed for the visit of King George and Queen Mary to the Rhondda in 1912. The band was also always firmly at the heart of its community and is photographed performing for the unveiling of a war memorial to the fallen of the First World War atop Cymmer Mountainin 1919.
Cymmer was one of at least three bands in the Porth area of the Rhondda along with the Hafod Rechabites (Temperance) Band and the name that was to become lasting and most renowned – the Lewis Merthyr Band. All three of these bands thrived for decades in the central industrial hub that the Rhondda was renowned as, but two world wars and the decline of the mining industry would take their toll. By the start of the Second World War, Cymmer was no longer a production colliery and had become an adjunct to nearby Lewis Merthyr. So it was to be with the bands also. The bands merged after the Second World War, as the Rechabites band had done earlier and under the baton of Mr Oliver Jones, after not having competed since 1914, Lewis Merthyr went on to become both Double Welsh and UK National Champions winning both the Class C National Championships of Great Britain in 1950 and Class B Section the following year. They also won the Class A South Wales & Monmouthshire Association Championships in 1951 and 1952. This was a truly incredible achievement.
Lewis Merthyr would continue to enjoy additional successes throughout the decades that followed, becoming Champion Band of Wales, Welsh League Champions, Miner’s Welfare Entertainments(CISWO) Champions and more. The band has also represented Wales in the Championship Section of the National Championships of Great Britain on eight occasions at the Royal Albert Hall, London and the European Championships in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Lewis Merthyr’s achievements through the years are legion and they remain prominent among Wales and the Rhondda’s fine brass bands to this day.
For further information on Lewis Merthyr and Cymmer Colliery Band, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com Any new information on the history of the bands or collieries not yet published on the sites is always welcome
Commissions 2020
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With the support of the Arts Council of Wales and Moondance Foundation, Craig and Lewis Merthyr Band will be commissioning a series of new works from several composers, as follows:
- Steve Bingham: Ascension
- Chris Marshall: Fulling Mill Lea
- Chris Marshall: Homecoming
- Andrew Powell: The Curious Case of The Hawk & The Wolf
- Grace Williams / Trans. Painter: Mountain Scene (from The Blue Scar)
The band will also explore the following existing, yet rarely performed, works:
- Mervyn Burtch: Hiraeth
- Stephen Roberts: World Dances
- Mick Wilson: Concerto for Six String Electric Violin & Brass Band
- Gareth Wood: Concerto For Harp & Brass Band
For full information on all these works, visit the New Directions project section of the Lewis Merthyr Band website here
For the full list of works that Craig has commissioned to date, visit the Commissions section of this website here
- Steve Bingham: Ascension
- Chris Marshall: Fulling Mill Lea
- Chris Marshall: Homecoming
- Andrew Powell: The Curious Case of The Hawk & The Wolf
- Grace Williams / Trans. Painter: Mountain Scene (from The Blue Scar)
The band will also explore the following existing, yet rarely performed, works:
- Mervyn Burtch: Hiraeth
- Stephen Roberts: World Dances
- Mick Wilson: Concerto for Six String Electric Violin & Brass Band
- Gareth Wood: Concerto For Harp & Brass Band
For full information on all these works, visit the New Directions project section of the Lewis Merthyr Band website here
For the full list of works that Craig has commissioned to date, visit the Commissions section of this website here
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Remembrance 2020
Every year, since 1919, Lewis Merthyr Band has supported and performed for Remembrance Sunday. Despite services & parades regrettably having to be cancelled across the country in 2020, due to the global covid-19 pandemic, this year will be no different for the band
Below can be found the video for "Byddwn Yn Eu Cofio - We Will Remember Them", Lewis Merthyr's 2020 Remembrance Day virtual tribute to The Fallen, dedicated to the memory of the Porth Heroes of the Great War, 1914 to 1919
"They shall not grow old
As we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We Will Remember Them"
Below can be found the video for "Byddwn Yn Eu Cofio - We Will Remember Them", Lewis Merthyr's 2020 Remembrance Day virtual tribute to The Fallen, dedicated to the memory of the Porth Heroes of the Great War, 1914 to 1919
"They shall not grow old
As we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We Will Remember Them"
The recording of Abide With Me, and the full "Brass & Voices of Wales" album, is available to listen to FREE and also for paid download at www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com CD recordings are also available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd
Additional free videos of the band in performance are available on the band's YouTube channel
A link to donate direct to the Royal British Legion can be found on the LMB Facebook page here or visit
www.britishlegion.org.uk The band does not benefit in any way from the donations
Additional free videos of the band in performance are available on the band's YouTube channel
A link to donate direct to the Royal British Legion can be found on the LMB Facebook page here or visit
www.britishlegion.org.uk The band does not benefit in any way from the donations
Further New Directions
Following the previous announcement in June regarding the support of the Arts Council of Wales for Lewis Merthyr Band's micro-commissioning project New Directions, the band is delighted to announce that they have been awarded further support from the Arts Council to explore a second stage of our New Directions project through the winter into Spring.
The first phase of New Directions saw the band commission a number of short works from composers and additional professional musicians, which the band are now currently working on, initially separately in isolation, and which we will then rehearse and record collectively, as soon as the lifting of local lockdowns permit. The resultant videos will then be made available for public consumption online, and the completed pieces retained for performance at concerts in 2021 and beyond.
The second phase of the project will now see the band fuse the worlds of brass and world percussion, in a project which will see Lewis Merthyr, who are at present - for the first time since 1855! - unable to play brass instruments due to the covid-19 pandemic, instead use the current period to develop skills and collective understanding of group percussion performance. The drums that we have purchased for use with the project from leading Welsh instrumental suppliers Ev-entz, will then be used to launch our own youth and community drumming groups in our local area, as soon as it is safe to do so.
As part of this phase of the project, the band will work with leading percussionists Ron McCauley of Community Music Wales, Ev-entz' Stephen 'Fly' Harris, and percussionist / composer Chris Marshall. Chris will also be commissioned to write an extended work for brass and world percussion, which will be premiered at the 2021 Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT) and in concert at Cardigan Castle in Summer 2021.
Chris balances his performance schedule with a flourishing career as a composer and arranger. Many of his works have been performed by some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Welsh National Opera Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra.
In 2018 , to mark the 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War, the Welsh Proms commissioned Chris to write a new work entitled ‘’Homecoming’’, which was premiered at the Last Night of the Welsh Proms by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, a transcription of which for brass is currently being prepared by the composer for Lewis Merthyr.
Chris's growing portfolio of compositions includes the music for "Heartstrings" (no 1 download on iTunes) which was recorded for Classic FM / Decca in 2012, and was featured on Claire Jones’ album "Girl With The Golden Harp". He has also composed "Bluestone" and arranged many tracks on Claire’s chart topping album "Journey". In addition, Chris has composed a wealth of commercial music for television advertisements, including a track for "Clogau", screened internationally, and for "Fishermans Friends" in the USA. In 2017, Chris was also commissioned to arrange and conduct a new album with the Portuguese singing sensation, Yolanda Soares, with whom he has also performed at the Tivoli Theatre, Lisbon and Colisseum in Porto.
Chris's career highlights as a percussionist include appearances with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, English National Ballet, London Mozart Players, The Royal Shakespeare Company and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He has also worked on many productions in London's West End, as well as international touring shows in the UK, Europe and China, including "We Will Rock You", "Wizard of Oz", "Zorro", "Carousel", "West Side Story", "Evita", "Love Beyond", "Big", "Bat Out of Hell" and "Elf the Musical".
Chris has a passion for playing instruments from all around the world, which he has in turn performed on for numerous recording sessions on television and film. Chris also performs as "Deuos" together with his wife Claire Jones, the world renowned former Official Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales. Deuos have toured extensively throughout the UK and USA, and in April 2019, performed together the premiere of Chris’ "Double Concerto for Harp and Percussion" in Richmond, Virgina. In 2021, Deuos plans to again tour across the USA, and undertake the UK premiere of the Concerto soon after.
Lewis Merthyr Band are thoroughly looking forward to working on these exciting artistic projects and the band remain indebted to the Arts Council of Wales for their support through this challenging period for all arts organisations. These projects continue the strong history Lewis Merthyr has of commissioning, recording and promoting new music.
Further information on the progress of the projects will be published here in due course, while full information on the first phase of the New Directions project, and all the eminent musicians the band is currently working with, can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-directions
The first phase of New Directions saw the band commission a number of short works from composers and additional professional musicians, which the band are now currently working on, initially separately in isolation, and which we will then rehearse and record collectively, as soon as the lifting of local lockdowns permit. The resultant videos will then be made available for public consumption online, and the completed pieces retained for performance at concerts in 2021 and beyond.
The second phase of the project will now see the band fuse the worlds of brass and world percussion, in a project which will see Lewis Merthyr, who are at present - for the first time since 1855! - unable to play brass instruments due to the covid-19 pandemic, instead use the current period to develop skills and collective understanding of group percussion performance. The drums that we have purchased for use with the project from leading Welsh instrumental suppliers Ev-entz, will then be used to launch our own youth and community drumming groups in our local area, as soon as it is safe to do so.
As part of this phase of the project, the band will work with leading percussionists Ron McCauley of Community Music Wales, Ev-entz' Stephen 'Fly' Harris, and percussionist / composer Chris Marshall. Chris will also be commissioned to write an extended work for brass and world percussion, which will be premiered at the 2021 Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT) and in concert at Cardigan Castle in Summer 2021.
Chris balances his performance schedule with a flourishing career as a composer and arranger. Many of his works have been performed by some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Welsh National Opera Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra.
In 2018 , to mark the 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War, the Welsh Proms commissioned Chris to write a new work entitled ‘’Homecoming’’, which was premiered at the Last Night of the Welsh Proms by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, a transcription of which for brass is currently being prepared by the composer for Lewis Merthyr.
Chris's growing portfolio of compositions includes the music for "Heartstrings" (no 1 download on iTunes) which was recorded for Classic FM / Decca in 2012, and was featured on Claire Jones’ album "Girl With The Golden Harp". He has also composed "Bluestone" and arranged many tracks on Claire’s chart topping album "Journey". In addition, Chris has composed a wealth of commercial music for television advertisements, including a track for "Clogau", screened internationally, and for "Fishermans Friends" in the USA. In 2017, Chris was also commissioned to arrange and conduct a new album with the Portuguese singing sensation, Yolanda Soares, with whom he has also performed at the Tivoli Theatre, Lisbon and Colisseum in Porto.
Chris's career highlights as a percussionist include appearances with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, English National Ballet, London Mozart Players, The Royal Shakespeare Company and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He has also worked on many productions in London's West End, as well as international touring shows in the UK, Europe and China, including "We Will Rock You", "Wizard of Oz", "Zorro", "Carousel", "West Side Story", "Evita", "Love Beyond", "Big", "Bat Out of Hell" and "Elf the Musical".
Chris has a passion for playing instruments from all around the world, which he has in turn performed on for numerous recording sessions on television and film. Chris also performs as "Deuos" together with his wife Claire Jones, the world renowned former Official Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales. Deuos have toured extensively throughout the UK and USA, and in April 2019, performed together the premiere of Chris’ "Double Concerto for Harp and Percussion" in Richmond, Virgina. In 2021, Deuos plans to again tour across the USA, and undertake the UK premiere of the Concerto soon after.
Lewis Merthyr Band are thoroughly looking forward to working on these exciting artistic projects and the band remain indebted to the Arts Council of Wales for their support through this challenging period for all arts organisations. These projects continue the strong history Lewis Merthyr has of commissioning, recording and promoting new music.
Further information on the progress of the projects will be published here in due course, while full information on the first phase of the New Directions project, and all the eminent musicians the band is currently working with, can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-directions
Aberfan Remembered
As part of the ongoing series of lockdown videos from Lewis Merthyr Band, the band recently created the following tribute to the victims of the Aberfan disaster.
On 21st October 1966, disaster struck the Welsh mining village of Aberfan. At 9:13am, 150 000 tons of coal waste descended on the community from mountain top tips. The resultant avalanche buried Pantglas Junior School and several neighbouring homes. 28 adults and 116 children were killed...
To mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy, Christopher Wood wrote this work, "Aberfan". It was premiered by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the 2016 Welsh Proms, held at the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff. The performance was conducted by Welsh Proms Artistic Director, Owain Arwel Hughes CBE and was also broadcast on the UK's leading independent radio station, Classic FM.
A year later the work was transcribed for brass, and the premiere performance of that version was given at the 2018 Welsh Proms by the massed bands of Lewis Merthyr and RAF St Athan, again at St Davids Hall, Cardiff. The work was also recorded by Lewis Merthyr Band for the Welsh Proms album "Brass & Voices of Wales", and it is that recording which is included here.
Both the premiere performance and recording were conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The album is available for download at www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com while copies of the CD are available from www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd
The people of Wales will never forget the tragedy of Aberfan, a disaster which shook the country and which cost a Welsh community a generation Requiescat In Pace - Cofiwch Aberfan
Additional videos of the band in performance are available at our new YouTube channel here and in the Video and Media sections of the Lewis Merthyr Band website www.lewismerthyrband.com
On 21st October 1966, disaster struck the Welsh mining village of Aberfan. At 9:13am, 150 000 tons of coal waste descended on the community from mountain top tips. The resultant avalanche buried Pantglas Junior School and several neighbouring homes. 28 adults and 116 children were killed...
To mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy, Christopher Wood wrote this work, "Aberfan". It was premiered by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the 2016 Welsh Proms, held at the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff. The performance was conducted by Welsh Proms Artistic Director, Owain Arwel Hughes CBE and was also broadcast on the UK's leading independent radio station, Classic FM.
A year later the work was transcribed for brass, and the premiere performance of that version was given at the 2018 Welsh Proms by the massed bands of Lewis Merthyr and RAF St Athan, again at St Davids Hall, Cardiff. The work was also recorded by Lewis Merthyr Band for the Welsh Proms album "Brass & Voices of Wales", and it is that recording which is included here.
Both the premiere performance and recording were conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The album is available for download at www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com while copies of the CD are available from www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd
The people of Wales will never forget the tragedy of Aberfan, a disaster which shook the country and which cost a Welsh community a generation Requiescat In Pace - Cofiwch Aberfan
Additional videos of the band in performance are available at our new YouTube channel here and in the Video and Media sections of the Lewis Merthyr Band website www.lewismerthyrband.com
New Directions
Craig and the Lewis Merthyr Band have been awarded support from the Arts Council of Wales to undertake a new music project through the latter part of 2020 entitled New Directions
The project will see Lewis Merthyr commission and workshop a number of short works from composers and other professional musicians, which the band will then work on, at the rate of one piece per month, initially in isolation or collectively as the current lockdown lifts.
The band will be recording these works and making them available for public consumption online. The completed works will then be retained for performance at concerts in 2021 and beyond.
Both band and MD are indebted to the Arts Council for their support at this challenging time. This project continues the strong history Lewis Merthyr has of commissioning, recording and promoting new music.
Full information on the project, and the eminent musicians the band will be working worth can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-directions
The project will see Lewis Merthyr commission and workshop a number of short works from composers and other professional musicians, which the band will then work on, at the rate of one piece per month, initially in isolation or collectively as the current lockdown lifts.
The band will be recording these works and making them available for public consumption online. The completed works will then be retained for performance at concerts in 2021 and beyond.
Both band and MD are indebted to the Arts Council for their support at this challenging time. This project continues the strong history Lewis Merthyr has of commissioning, recording and promoting new music.
Full information on the project, and the eminent musicians the band will be working worth can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-directions
A Decade of Achievement & Innovation
Below is an article by Wales Online, published in newspapers across Wales on Thursday July 30th. Part of a series by David Francis on the history of Wales' Parc & Dare Band, the article covers the period between 1999 and 2008 where Craig was Musical Director of the band, and the achievements of both the members and conductor during that period.
Further information on many of the artistic projects from the period are available in the Projects section of this website here
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This week’s edition continues our series on the history of one of Wales’ most famous bands, the Parc & Dare Band, and here we cover period running from the late 1990s through to 2008 under conductor Craig Roberts.
Craig was Musical Director of Parc & Dare for a ten year period, one of only three conductors with a tenure of a decade or more throughout the history of the band, the others being Haydn Bebb and Ieuan Morgan MBE.
Craig was initially a playing member of Parc from 1995 to 1997, after which he then left Wales to study at the University of Salford under Roy Newsome, Peter Graham & David King. He was invited to conduct the band in autumn 1999, having had considerable success directing a number of bands in the North West of England. From then through to summer 2008, Craig then led Parc & Dare through a resurgence and one of the most successful periods in the band’s 127 year history.
On the contest stage, particularly notable successes included consecutive Welsh Regional First Section Championship wins in 2004 & 2005, Second Prize at the 2004 National Championships of Great Britain, and Craig was also awarded the Welsh League’s Conductor of the Year Award in 2004 for these achievements. Following promotion back to the Championship Section, Craig then led Parc & Dare to become both SEWBBA and Welsh League Champions in 2006, and to qualification for the Finals of the 2007 National Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall, London, the band’s first appearance at the contest in over eighteen years.
On the concert stage, Parc & Dare’s successes under Craig were quite unparalleled. In 2001 he founded – together with longstanding Parc & Dare Secretary Chris Eveson – the Welsh Brass Arts Festival, which saw the band perform alongside Leyland, Black Dyke and Brighouse & Rastrick bands, the great James Watson and Robert & David Childs, the Royal harpist Catrin Finch, West End star Peter Karrie, Joji Hirota & the Japanese Taiko Drummers and many more. The events also saw the band commission and premiere new works by numerous leading
composers including Peter Graham, Philip Wilby, Edward Gregson, Paul Mealor & Stephen Roberts.
Outside the festival itself, the band also performed with the Band of the Grenadier Guards, the Russian Cossack State Dance Company and toured concert projects to Taliesin Arts Centre, the Wales Millennium Centre, De Montfort Hall, Leicester and the Royal Academy of Music, London. Under Craig’s direction the band also toured abroad to Hamburg, Ravensburg & Nurtingen, Germany; and to Canada, featuring in the 2004 & 2005 editions of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, where Craig later became Assistant Director.
During Craig’s final year, 2008, the band performed the whole of Holst’s epic Planets suite, and also featured in a new opera by Errollyn Wallen, together with the orchestra and chorus of the Welsh National Opera Company, performing at the Wales Millennium Centre and Birmingham Hippodrome, under the baton of Carlo Rizzi. Those were the final performances of the partnership, and a somewhat acrimonious split left the band divided, and 12 years on still to reach the heights of this extraordinary period again.
Craig’s progressive work with bands continued, and included successful periods at Burry Port, which saw the band tour to North Africa and feature in the Arts Council of Wales supported “Red Lady of Paviland” project; and at Abergavenny, where the band performed in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Park, and the Homecoming ceremony for Welsh athletes at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay. Both bands also won the Welsh League Championship under Craig’s baton in 2008 and 2011.
Craig has now returned to the Rhondda, where he is now working with the Lewis Merthyr Band. Further information on their work together, and the extraordinary history of the band – dating back to at least 1855(!) – will follow soon
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The articles on Lewis Merthyr Band will be published here in due course. For information on the band, its current activities and achievements to date can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com
Further information on many of the artistic projects from the period are available in the Projects section of this website here
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This week’s edition continues our series on the history of one of Wales’ most famous bands, the Parc & Dare Band, and here we cover period running from the late 1990s through to 2008 under conductor Craig Roberts.
Craig was Musical Director of Parc & Dare for a ten year period, one of only three conductors with a tenure of a decade or more throughout the history of the band, the others being Haydn Bebb and Ieuan Morgan MBE.
Craig was initially a playing member of Parc from 1995 to 1997, after which he then left Wales to study at the University of Salford under Roy Newsome, Peter Graham & David King. He was invited to conduct the band in autumn 1999, having had considerable success directing a number of bands in the North West of England. From then through to summer 2008, Craig then led Parc & Dare through a resurgence and one of the most successful periods in the band’s 127 year history.
On the contest stage, particularly notable successes included consecutive Welsh Regional First Section Championship wins in 2004 & 2005, Second Prize at the 2004 National Championships of Great Britain, and Craig was also awarded the Welsh League’s Conductor of the Year Award in 2004 for these achievements. Following promotion back to the Championship Section, Craig then led Parc & Dare to become both SEWBBA and Welsh League Champions in 2006, and to qualification for the Finals of the 2007 National Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall, London, the band’s first appearance at the contest in over eighteen years.
On the concert stage, Parc & Dare’s successes under Craig were quite unparalleled. In 2001 he founded – together with longstanding Parc & Dare Secretary Chris Eveson – the Welsh Brass Arts Festival, which saw the band perform alongside Leyland, Black Dyke and Brighouse & Rastrick bands, the great James Watson and Robert & David Childs, the Royal harpist Catrin Finch, West End star Peter Karrie, Joji Hirota & the Japanese Taiko Drummers and many more. The events also saw the band commission and premiere new works by numerous leading
composers including Peter Graham, Philip Wilby, Edward Gregson, Paul Mealor & Stephen Roberts.
Outside the festival itself, the band also performed with the Band of the Grenadier Guards, the Russian Cossack State Dance Company and toured concert projects to Taliesin Arts Centre, the Wales Millennium Centre, De Montfort Hall, Leicester and the Royal Academy of Music, London. Under Craig’s direction the band also toured abroad to Hamburg, Ravensburg & Nurtingen, Germany; and to Canada, featuring in the 2004 & 2005 editions of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, where Craig later became Assistant Director.
During Craig’s final year, 2008, the band performed the whole of Holst’s epic Planets suite, and also featured in a new opera by Errollyn Wallen, together with the orchestra and chorus of the Welsh National Opera Company, performing at the Wales Millennium Centre and Birmingham Hippodrome, under the baton of Carlo Rizzi. Those were the final performances of the partnership, and a somewhat acrimonious split left the band divided, and 12 years on still to reach the heights of this extraordinary period again.
Craig’s progressive work with bands continued, and included successful periods at Burry Port, which saw the band tour to North Africa and feature in the Arts Council of Wales supported “Red Lady of Paviland” project; and at Abergavenny, where the band performed in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Park, and the Homecoming ceremony for Welsh athletes at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay. Both bands also won the Welsh League Championship under Craig’s baton in 2008 and 2011.
Craig has now returned to the Rhondda, where he is now working with the Lewis Merthyr Band. Further information on their work together, and the extraordinary history of the band – dating back to at least 1855(!) – will follow soon
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The articles on Lewis Merthyr Band will be published here in due course. For information on the band, its current activities and achievements to date can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com
VE Day / Victory Day 75
2020 marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe. As part of the anniversary commemorations, and resultant celebrations of 75 years of peace in Europe, Craig was due to be involved in a number of large scale events within and beyond Europe, including the Victory Day 75 events and Immortal Regiment Parade in Red Square, Moscow, Russia. Sadly, the Covid-19 global pandemic led to the cancellation of all major events and festivals. VE Day and Victory Day 75 were both marked musically however, with the following videos produced in tribute by Craig and musicians of Lewis Merthyr Band, together with friends from the Netherlands, New Zealand and Norway
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Womens Rugby Six Nations Internationals
This year, Lewis Merthyr Band, conducted by Craig, joined together with the massed choirs of Cor Y Gleision, CF1 and WRU Director of Music Dr. Haydn James, to perform the national anthems of Italy, France and Wales for the Women's Six Nations Rugby Internationals at Cardiff Arms Park. The matches were broadcast nationwide on BBC, S4C and Sky television
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Welsh Open and Welsh Regional Championship Performances
Craig was delighted to direct Lewis Merthyr Band in two back to back competitive performances to open the 2020 season. February saw the band make a welcome return to the Welsh Open Championships at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, followed by a very strong performance at the Welsh Regional Championships at the Great Hall, Swansea. Videos from both performances are available below. The band now look forward to additional performances through the year ahead
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2019 News
Internationale Taptoe Belgie
In October 2019, Craig directed a Symphonic Brass Wales ensemble featuring musicians from Lewis Merthyr Band, Wessex Military Band and the Corps of Drums of the Royal British Legion (Llanelli) at the International Taptoe Belgie / Belgium International Tattoo. At the show, the band performed along leading international musical groups from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, South Korea and more, in a series of performances at the 5000 seat capacity Versluys Dome, Ostend. Video footage of the band's individual performance, conducted by Craig, plus a number of additional scenes from the show can be found below, with additional video and images from the show available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/belgium
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Musikfest Der Bundeswehr
The third annual Musikfest Der Bundeswehr took place to capacity crowds on September 21st to capacity crowds at the ISS Dome, Dusseldorf. The performance featured a cast of 800 performers, drawn from Germany, Belgium, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The show was a tremendous success with highlights featuring a life size reconstruction of the Berlin Wall, a rebuilt period East German Trabi car, which was toured across the country; and collaborations between pop artist Adil Tawil and the massed military bands.
Craig was delighted to act as a consultant / advisor to the show and looks forward to returning for the 2020 edition on Saturday September 26th 2020. Further information on the 2020 edition of the show can be found at www.musikfestbw.de A television show featuring highlights of the 2019 production is available to view online here
Craig was delighted to act as a consultant / advisor to the show and looks forward to returning for the 2020 edition on Saturday September 26th 2020. Further information on the 2020 edition of the show can be found at www.musikfestbw.de A television show featuring highlights of the 2019 production is available to view online here
Welsh Proms Premieres
2019 closes five years of work for Craig with Wales' national classical music festival, the Welsh Proms Cymru. The central Brass & Voices Prom of the 2019 season saw the premiere performance of two arrangements newly arranged for brass band and male choir by Craig. Performed by the Massed Bands of Lewis Merthyr & RAF St Athan, and the Massed Male Choirs of Cwmbach, Morlais, Pontarddulais & Cor Meibion Taf, the two works were Arwel Hughes' settings for male voice of "Arwelfa" and "Sanctus". These premiere performances were conducted by the composer's son, Welsh Proms Artistic Director and Founder, Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
The male choir setting of Arwelfa is published by Cwmni Gwynn, and the setting of Sanctus by Oriana Publications. The settings for brass band will be commercially available soon
The male choir setting of Arwelfa is published by Cwmni Gwynn, and the setting of Sanctus by Oriana Publications. The settings for brass band will be commercially available soon
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Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT) 2019
The 2019 Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT) ran from June 6th through to July 13th in venues across South Wales' picturesque Rhondda valleys.
The inaugural RAFT festival in 2018 featured a series of high profile artists, including Jools Holland, Lesley Garrett & the Welsh National Opera Company, Only Men Aloud and a wide variety of local artists and exhibitors.
RAFT 2019 expanded into a month long series of arts events spread across the region, headlined by Blackadder & Time Team’s Sir Tony Robinson, Wicked star Kerry Ellis and award winning comedian & actor Omid Djalili. Additional events included a C-RAFT Beer & Gin Festival, large scale Arts & C-RAFT Family Fun Day, outdoor performances of Romeo & Juliet, an 18th century dragon exhibit on loan from the British Museum, London, indoor & outdoor movie screenings, two D-Day 75 events featuring a visiting orchestra from RCT’s twin town of Ravensburg, Germany and more!
RAFT Chair, Chris Bryant MP stated “We were thrilled to be able to offer this hugely enhanced, month long festival to both local residents and visitors to the Rhondda this June, and were delighted to once again be featuring celebrity performers of the calibre of Tony Robinson, Kerry Ellis & Omid Djalili alongside a host of local Rhondda performers & artists. Whether you’re interested in music, comedy, film screenings, literature, art - or craft beer & gin - there’s truly something for everyone at RAFT”.
The 2020 RAFT Festival is scheduled to takes place in Rhondda from June 4th through to July 4th 2020, with the central festival weekend held on June 25 to 28. For full information and tickets, visit www.raft.cymru
The inaugural RAFT festival in 2018 featured a series of high profile artists, including Jools Holland, Lesley Garrett & the Welsh National Opera Company, Only Men Aloud and a wide variety of local artists and exhibitors.
RAFT 2019 expanded into a month long series of arts events spread across the region, headlined by Blackadder & Time Team’s Sir Tony Robinson, Wicked star Kerry Ellis and award winning comedian & actor Omid Djalili. Additional events included a C-RAFT Beer & Gin Festival, large scale Arts & C-RAFT Family Fun Day, outdoor performances of Romeo & Juliet, an 18th century dragon exhibit on loan from the British Museum, London, indoor & outdoor movie screenings, two D-Day 75 events featuring a visiting orchestra from RCT’s twin town of Ravensburg, Germany and more!
RAFT Chair, Chris Bryant MP stated “We were thrilled to be able to offer this hugely enhanced, month long festival to both local residents and visitors to the Rhondda this June, and were delighted to once again be featuring celebrity performers of the calibre of Tony Robinson, Kerry Ellis & Omid Djalili alongside a host of local Rhondda performers & artists. Whether you’re interested in music, comedy, film screenings, literature, art - or craft beer & gin - there’s truly something for everyone at RAFT”.
The 2020 RAFT Festival is scheduled to takes place in Rhondda from June 4th through to July 4th 2020, with the central festival weekend held on June 25 to 28. For full information and tickets, visit www.raft.cymru
34th Season of Welsh Proms Revealed!
The 34th season of the Welsh Proms enjoyed a superb 2019 Media Launch at the Hilton Hotel Cardiff - and what an incredible season of events are in store, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Orchestra & more!
Join "Game of Thrones" & "Line of Duty" star Owen Teale, soprano Susan Bullock CBE, BBC weather's Derek Brockway & Behnaz Akhgar, "Wicked" star Sophie Evans, BBC Radio Wales' Wynne Evans, Massed Bands, Chorus and 250 Voice Male Choir, the magnificent St David's Hall Organ, Capital City Jazz Orchestra, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, the Claire Jones Concert Ensemble & much, much more!
For full information, visit www.welshproms.com/events and join us, July 20th to 27th, at St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Tickets are available from St David’s Day, March 1st 🏴
Join "Game of Thrones" & "Line of Duty" star Owen Teale, soprano Susan Bullock CBE, BBC weather's Derek Brockway & Behnaz Akhgar, "Wicked" star Sophie Evans, BBC Radio Wales' Wynne Evans, Massed Bands, Chorus and 250 Voice Male Choir, the magnificent St David's Hall Organ, Capital City Jazz Orchestra, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, the Claire Jones Concert Ensemble & much, much more!
For full information, visit www.welshproms.com/events and join us, July 20th to 27th, at St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Tickets are available from St David’s Day, March 1st 🏴
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda - New Year, New Projects
Following a super year in 2018, Craig is delighted to be entering another exciting year ahead in 2019.
2018 saw international collaborations in Germany, Norway, Russia and the USA, and the conclusion of 20 year working relationship with Canada, following Craig stepping down as Assistant Director at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.
2018 saw Craig receive awards both home and abroad, in both the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf's Good Citizen Award for Artistic Achievement and the Talent & Vocation Medal as a Worldwide Charitable Alliance Peacemaker.
2019 will see renewed collaborations in both Germany and Russia, and particularly this year at home in Wales, both through Craig's continued work on Wales' national classical music festival, the Welsh Proms Cymru, and through a new post, as Director of the Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT).
Founded in 2018, and centred around Rhondda's iconic Park & Dare Theatre, RAFT is an annual celebration of the rich and diverse range of artists & artforms present throughout South Wales' Rhondda valleys, with both local and leading visiting artists. The 2018 season featured performances by Jools Holland, Lesley Garrett, Only Men Aloud and more, with the Festival set to expand during its sophomore season this June.
Craig is delighted to be taking up the post of Festival Director with RAFT. Further information on the festival can be found at the RAFT website www.raft.cymru and accompanying social media channels.
In addition to the above, Craig will also be continuing his work as Musical Director of the Lewis-Merthyr Band, Symphonic Brass Wales and additional ensembles. Further information on all 2019 activities to date can be found in the Diary section this website, while additional news items on forthcoming activities will be placed here in due course.
Here's to a happy, healthy and successful year ahead, throughout 2019, for all
2018 saw international collaborations in Germany, Norway, Russia and the USA, and the conclusion of 20 year working relationship with Canada, following Craig stepping down as Assistant Director at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.
2018 saw Craig receive awards both home and abroad, in both the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf's Good Citizen Award for Artistic Achievement and the Talent & Vocation Medal as a Worldwide Charitable Alliance Peacemaker.
2019 will see renewed collaborations in both Germany and Russia, and particularly this year at home in Wales, both through Craig's continued work on Wales' national classical music festival, the Welsh Proms Cymru, and through a new post, as Director of the Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT).
Founded in 2018, and centred around Rhondda's iconic Park & Dare Theatre, RAFT is an annual celebration of the rich and diverse range of artists & artforms present throughout South Wales' Rhondda valleys, with both local and leading visiting artists. The 2018 season featured performances by Jools Holland, Lesley Garrett, Only Men Aloud and more, with the Festival set to expand during its sophomore season this June.
Craig is delighted to be taking up the post of Festival Director with RAFT. Further information on the festival can be found at the RAFT website www.raft.cymru and accompanying social media channels.
In addition to the above, Craig will also be continuing his work as Musical Director of the Lewis-Merthyr Band, Symphonic Brass Wales and additional ensembles. Further information on all 2019 activities to date can be found in the Diary section this website, while additional news items on forthcoming activities will be placed here in due course.
Here's to a happy, healthy and successful year ahead, throughout 2019, for all
2018 News
Mongolian Folk Song Premiere at Brass In Concert Championships
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Craig's arrangement for brass & percussion of Mongolian Folk Song by Reinhold Gliere was recently premiered at the prestigious Brass In Concert Championships at The Sage, Gateshead on Sunday November 18th.
Performed by the Atlantic Brass Band of New Jersey, USA, the work formed a central element of the band's "Age of Empires" themed programme, and featured the band's solo euphonium player, Dr. Amy Schumaker-Bliss. A live recording of the performance, conducted by ABB Musical Director Salvatore Scarpa can be found opposite, and is also available for download from World of Sound here The work received very positive feedback following the premiere, including from BIC Presenter Frank Renton who described the piece as "a beautiful new work for band". Mongolian Folk Song will be published and made available for sale in early 2019 via Oriana Publications |
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Craig would like to thank Dr. Bliss, Maestro Scarpa and all at Atlantic Brass for premiering the work at Brass In Concert and including Mongolian Folk Song in their UK touring performances and pre-concert tour performance at Pfleeger Hall, Rowan University, New Jersey, USA.
Symphonic Brass - The Planets
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On the weekend of October 19 to 21, Craig directed a large scale symphonic brass performance at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
The instrumentation included 11 trumpets, flugel horn, 3 french horns, 4 euphoniums, 4 tubas plus 2 harps, organ, celeste, 8 timpani plus full orchestral percussion. Repertoire featured included R. Strauss: Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare (Arr. Himes), Holst: The Planets (Arr. Roberts) & Wagner: Entry of the Gods Into Valhalla (Arr. Snell). |
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Brass & Voices of Wales CD Recording
Crag recently acted as Executive Producer on "Brass & Voices of Wales", the new album from Owain Arwel Hughes CBE and the Welsh Proms Cymru.
The disc, an official Welsh Proms product, features a selection of the most popular hymns and melodies of Wales, performed by Lewis-Merthyr Band and the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, all directed by Welsh Proms Artistic Director, Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
The recording contains much of Wales’ most beloved music, together with the premiere recording of a new work by Christopher Wood, titled after and dedicated to the memory of Aberfan. Also featured is Gareth Wood’s scintillating creative arrangement of Sosban Fach; the Miner’s hymn “Gresford”, music from the iconic Hollywood movie “Zulu” and many more.
The recording was produced in association with the Welsh Proms, Wales' national classical music festival, where the Brass & Voices Prom is an annual central element and a premier annual showcase for Wales’ proud brass band and male choir music and traditions.
The disc is now available online from Lewis-Merthyr Band at www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd for CD purchase, or for download at lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com
The disc, an official Welsh Proms product, features a selection of the most popular hymns and melodies of Wales, performed by Lewis-Merthyr Band and the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, all directed by Welsh Proms Artistic Director, Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
The recording contains much of Wales’ most beloved music, together with the premiere recording of a new work by Christopher Wood, titled after and dedicated to the memory of Aberfan. Also featured is Gareth Wood’s scintillating creative arrangement of Sosban Fach; the Miner’s hymn “Gresford”, music from the iconic Hollywood movie “Zulu” and many more.
The recording was produced in association with the Welsh Proms, Wales' national classical music festival, where the Brass & Voices Prom is an annual central element and a premier annual showcase for Wales’ proud brass band and male choir music and traditions.
The disc is now available online from Lewis-Merthyr Band at www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd for CD purchase, or for download at lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com
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New LMB Videos Available Online
New videos of Lewis-Merthyr Band performing at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre in the 2018 National Eisteddfod of Wales are now available to view online. The band's performances of Richard Strauss' "Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare", Marvin Hamlisch' "The Way We Were" and Peter Graham's "Cossack Fire Dance" can be viewed via the links below. A series of images and further information from the event can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com Additional videos are also available on the band's new YouTube channel here
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Worldwide Charitable Alliance Peacemaker Talent & Vocation Medal
Craig was recently awarded the Talent & Vocation Medal as a Worldwide Charitable Alliance Peacemaker by the International Coordination Council for the Development and Promotion of the Ideas of Peace in a ceremony at the iconic Vorontsov Palace, Yalta. The award took place during Symphonic Brass Wales' tour to Moscow, Krasnodar and Crimea. Full details and additional images from the tour can be found at www.symphonicbrasswales.com/russia-2018
2018 Welsh Proms An Incredible Success
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The 2018 Welsh Proms once again took place at the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff this summer to increased audiences and rave reviews.
2018 performers included the Royal Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony and Welsh National Opera orchestras; soloists Shan Cothi, Claire Jones & John Owen-Jones plus Massed Bands, Massed Male Choirs, Mixed Chorus and more. The festival also saw world premiere performances of new works by Welsh composers Chris Marshall, Christopher Wood and Gareth Wood. The Festival will return in 2019 with dates already announced of July 20th to 27th. Full 2019 information is expected to be announced on or around St David's Day, March 1st 2019. Additional information can be found at www.welshproms.com |
Two Decades At Tattoo Draw To A Close
After two decades working with Canada's largest annual indoor show, Craig has resigned his position as Assistant Director of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. The decision follows a 21 year working relationship with the show, which began as a performer and then Director of the Woods Manufacturing Company Brass Band, in partnership with Canadian entrepreneur N. Guthrie Woods in 1998, and closed this summer with the Tattoo's 40th anniversary production.
Craig first performed at the Tattoo with the Woods Mfg. Co. Brass Band in 1998 & 1999, later taking up the position of Director of Music in the year 2000. That year the band performed at the Tattoo with rave reviews, returning the following year, when it also performed at the Virginia International Tattoo in the USA. In 2002, the Woods Brass Band were then invited to undertake performances at Virginia, Nova Scotia, the Netherlands Nationale Taptoe and the Hamburg Polizei Show.
From 2003, Craig began working with RNSIT Fanfare Coordinator Frank Ridgeway and the Tattoo Fanfare Trumpet Team, before in 2004 bringing Wales' Parc & Dare Band to Canada to perform in the show, combining together with the Atlantica Gymnasts, led by Catherine Shortt. From 2005 onward, Craig then began working as part of the core RNSIT Production Staff, when he was invited by Producer / Director Colonel Ian Fraser to arrange the music of the Act One Finale: Remembrance & Reconciliation and to conduct the scene, with the agreement and support of Principal Director of Music and Arranger, Commander Jack McGuire. Following the success of the scene, Craig then arranged and directed numerous additional works and scenes for the show, before finally taking up the position of Assistant Director of the Tattoo.
Craig enjoyed two wonderful decades at the RNSIT, working with an incredible array of international performing artists and a wonderful team of professional staff, led by Doctor / Colonel Ian Fraser and RNSIT CEO Ann Montague. Closing two very happy decades with the Tattoo, Craig now looks forward to continuing his major events work with additional large scale events in Europe and wider, building upon previous successes at the Kremlin Zoria Festival in Moscow Russia; the Mediterranean International Festival of Arts in Crete, Greece; World Military Music Festival in Libya, North Africa, and many more.
Further information on future major events activities will be posted here in due course
Craig first performed at the Tattoo with the Woods Mfg. Co. Brass Band in 1998 & 1999, later taking up the position of Director of Music in the year 2000. That year the band performed at the Tattoo with rave reviews, returning the following year, when it also performed at the Virginia International Tattoo in the USA. In 2002, the Woods Brass Band were then invited to undertake performances at Virginia, Nova Scotia, the Netherlands Nationale Taptoe and the Hamburg Polizei Show.
From 2003, Craig began working with RNSIT Fanfare Coordinator Frank Ridgeway and the Tattoo Fanfare Trumpet Team, before in 2004 bringing Wales' Parc & Dare Band to Canada to perform in the show, combining together with the Atlantica Gymnasts, led by Catherine Shortt. From 2005 onward, Craig then began working as part of the core RNSIT Production Staff, when he was invited by Producer / Director Colonel Ian Fraser to arrange the music of the Act One Finale: Remembrance & Reconciliation and to conduct the scene, with the agreement and support of Principal Director of Music and Arranger, Commander Jack McGuire. Following the success of the scene, Craig then arranged and directed numerous additional works and scenes for the show, before finally taking up the position of Assistant Director of the Tattoo.
Craig enjoyed two wonderful decades at the RNSIT, working with an incredible array of international performing artists and a wonderful team of professional staff, led by Doctor / Colonel Ian Fraser and RNSIT CEO Ann Montague. Closing two very happy decades with the Tattoo, Craig now looks forward to continuing his major events work with additional large scale events in Europe and wider, building upon previous successes at the Kremlin Zoria Festival in Moscow Russia; the Mediterranean International Festival of Arts in Crete, Greece; World Military Music Festival in Libya, North Africa, and many more.
Further information on future major events activities will be posted here in due course
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Highlights
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RNSIT Act One Finale 2005. Music arranged and conducted by Craig Roberts
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RNSIT Finale Opening 2009. Music arranged and conducted by Craig Roberts
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RNSIT Act One Finale 2008. The 90th Anniversary of the First World War Armistice. Music arranged by Craig Roberts
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RNSIT Act One Finale 2015. The final RNSIT directed by Col Ian Fraser. Assistant Director: Craig Roberts
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Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Good Citizen Award 2018
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Craig is delighted to be named the 2018 recipient of the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf's Good Citizen Award for Artistic Achievement, for services to Music, the Arts, Education and Charity in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The award was presented to Craig by the current Mayor, Councillor Margaret Tegg, at a concert for the Mayor's Charities in St John's Church, Cymmer on Thursday May 10th. The concert itself raised over £400 for Alzheimer's Society Cymru/Wales, Guide Dogs Cymru, Y Bwthyn palliative care hospital, Pontypridd, and Friends of the Animals Wales (formerly Friends of the Animals RCT). Further information on the event can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/news |
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Origins - Trondheim, Norway
Craig recently enjoyed a tremendous week in Norway, working with the Ila Brass Band of Norway. Band and conductor undertook a five day rehearsal period and concert project entitled "Origins", which explored the development of brass band repertoire from the early marches & transcriptions, through some of the first major works for band, works by iconic specialist composers, and even a little Norwegian Arctic Funk. The full repertoire from the concert is listed below, while a playlist of video excerpts from the event can be found here
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- March: Death or Glory (Hall)
- Overture: Le Roi D'Ys (Lalo / Wright) - Life Divine (Jenkins) - The Severn Suite (Elgar) - Peacemakers (Price) Interval - Journey Into Freedom (Ball) - Spectrum (Vinter) - Pel Mel (Lear) - Arctic Funk (Aagard-Nilsen) - Gresford (Saint / Smith / Hesjedal) - Paganini Variations (Wilby) |
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Man Engine Cymru
In mid-April, Craig was delighted to to support two events at Cyfartha Castle and Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd during the South Wales tour of the Man Engine with Lewis-Merthyr Band.
Powered by Volvo, the Man Engine is the largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain. The 11.2 metre high engine toured the length of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site last summer, and this Easter toured South Wales, including the two performances at Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf supported by the band.
The band thoroughly enjoyed supporting both events, and premiering the Man Engine Anthem, composed especially for the occasion by Helen Woods, an educational specialist who has worked with the Welsh National Opera Company, BBC National Orchestra of Wales & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
For further information on the Man Engine Project, visit www.themanengine.org.uk Images of the band in performance with the Man Engine can be found in the Gallery section of the Lewis-Merthyr Band website here
Powered by Volvo, the Man Engine is the largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain. The 11.2 metre high engine toured the length of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site last summer, and this Easter toured South Wales, including the two performances at Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf supported by the band.
The band thoroughly enjoyed supporting both events, and premiering the Man Engine Anthem, composed especially for the occasion by Helen Woods, an educational specialist who has worked with the Welsh National Opera Company, BBC National Orchestra of Wales & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
For further information on the Man Engine Project, visit www.themanengine.org.uk Images of the band in performance with the Man Engine can be found in the Gallery section of the Lewis-Merthyr Band website here
Classic Camp 2018 - Genesis
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From April 2 to 8, Craig travelled again to Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany for the third tri-annual Ravensburg Classic Camp. The camp featured students from Germany, Croatia, Spain and the U.K.
A week long series of workshops and rehearsals saw the students from the four different nations come together to form a large symphony orchestra and mixed chorus. The repertoire for the camp was Tolga Kashif's Genesis Suite, based on the music by the progressive rock band of the same name. The suite was premiered in October 2010 by the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican, London with the composer conducting. The suite was then recorded later that year at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. The suite is composed in seven movements. The first is a "filmic" adaptation of the two songs "Land of Confusion" and "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight". The second movement is based on "Ripples", and is scored for Piano and Orchestra. The third movement is a concertante fantasy for Violin and Orchestra, and based on the tune "Mad Mad Moon", and at over 16 minutes is the longest piece in the suite. The fourth movement is a comparatively shorter adaptation of "Follow You Follow Me" and the fifth movement based on "Fading Lights". The penultimate movement is a solo piano adaptation of "Entangled" before the final movement, which echoes the character of the opening movement, is a "filmic" adaptation of the two songs "Undertow" and "Blood on the Rooftops". |
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Welsh Proms 2018 Dates Announced
Dates of the 2018 Welsh Proms Cymru have been announced. The 33rd season of Wales national classical music festival will take place from July 21st to 28th at the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff. Full event information will be revealed following the 2018 Proms media launch on Wednesday April 18th at www.welshproms.com
Musical March
A busy month lies ahead in March with Craig undertaking a wide range of engagements across South Wales and wider. Firstly, on Thursday March 1st, Lewis-Merthyr Band will celebrate St David's Day with one of their popular Brass & Voices concerts at the band's home venue St Johns Church, Cymmer together with Cambrian Male Choir.
On Saturday March 3rd the St David's Day celebrations then continue with Veterans Concert Band Wales supporting a Mess Dinner in aid of the Allan Lewis VC Fund at Hay On Wye and Seindorf Arian Crwbin undertaking a St David's Day concert, Dydd Gwyl Dewi, at Neuadd Pontyberem Hall.
On Sunday March 4th, Craig will then head to Russia to undertake a series of performances in Yalta and Sevastopol, Crimea together with Symphonic Brass Wales and additional performing groups from Canada, Italy & New Zealand.
Saturday March 17th will then see both Seindorf Arian Crwbin and Lewis-Merthyr Band enter the contest arena for the first time, performing Jonathan Bates' Ex Terra Lucem and James Curnow's Brass Metamorphosis at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea in the 2018 Welsh Regional Championships.
To close the month, Craig will be heading to Canada and the USA for Production Meetings ahead of the 2018 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, Nova Scotia and to work with current NABBA & U.S. Open Double American Champions Atlantic Brass in New Jersey, USA.
The music making continues on home turf in Craig's absence with Lewis-Merthyr featuring in a major Voices & Brass concert with the Richard Williams Singers & Gentlemen Songsters at Llantrisant Parish Church on Friday March 23rd. The band also looks forward to making a return to performing at the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, now Rhondda Heritage Park, participating in the Park's "Musical March" series with a small ensemble performance on Saturday March 24th, which will be repeated on Sunday March 25th at Coed Hills, St Hilary, Vale of Glamorgan.
Craig's international work continues in April with visits to Germany, Norway and Russia, further information on which can be found in the Diary section of the website here
On Saturday March 3rd the St David's Day celebrations then continue with Veterans Concert Band Wales supporting a Mess Dinner in aid of the Allan Lewis VC Fund at Hay On Wye and Seindorf Arian Crwbin undertaking a St David's Day concert, Dydd Gwyl Dewi, at Neuadd Pontyberem Hall.
On Sunday March 4th, Craig will then head to Russia to undertake a series of performances in Yalta and Sevastopol, Crimea together with Symphonic Brass Wales and additional performing groups from Canada, Italy & New Zealand.
Saturday March 17th will then see both Seindorf Arian Crwbin and Lewis-Merthyr Band enter the contest arena for the first time, performing Jonathan Bates' Ex Terra Lucem and James Curnow's Brass Metamorphosis at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea in the 2018 Welsh Regional Championships.
To close the month, Craig will be heading to Canada and the USA for Production Meetings ahead of the 2018 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, Nova Scotia and to work with current NABBA & U.S. Open Double American Champions Atlantic Brass in New Jersey, USA.
The music making continues on home turf in Craig's absence with Lewis-Merthyr featuring in a major Voices & Brass concert with the Richard Williams Singers & Gentlemen Songsters at Llantrisant Parish Church on Friday March 23rd. The band also looks forward to making a return to performing at the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, now Rhondda Heritage Park, participating in the Park's "Musical March" series with a small ensemble performance on Saturday March 24th, which will be repeated on Sunday March 25th at Coed Hills, St Hilary, Vale of Glamorgan.
Craig's international work continues in April with visits to Germany, Norway and Russia, further information on which can be found in the Diary section of the website here
Lewis-Merthyr Band Recordings Available Online
New audio and video recordings of Lewis-Merthyr Band have been made available to view online at the Lewis-Merthyr Band website www.lewismerthyrband.com
The recordings were made toward the end of 2017 in recording sessions for S4C television, with Boom Cymru and Sir Bryn Terfel, and for Rondo Media's Band Cymru programme.
Soundcloud links to the recordings can be found below. Additional audio and video footage of Lewis-Merthyr Band can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/audio and www.lewismerthyrband.com/video
The recordings were made toward the end of 2017 in recording sessions for S4C television, with Boom Cymru and Sir Bryn Terfel, and for Rondo Media's Band Cymru programme.
Soundcloud links to the recordings can be found below. Additional audio and video footage of Lewis-Merthyr Band can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/audio and www.lewismerthyrband.com/video
2017 News
Christmas Day Broadcast
On Christmas Day 2017, Lewis-Merthyr Band featured in a national television broadcast with the legendary international baritone soloist Sir Bryn Terfel.
Filmed on location at the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery - now Rhondda Heritage Park - the sequence featured a performance of Arwel Hughes' magnificent setting of Cwm Rhondda. The arrangement for brass was specially transcribed for the band & Sir Bryn for the occasion by Welsh composer Christopher Painter, and also features an "amen" ending written by the composer's son, the famous orchestral conductor Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
The programme was broadcast at 9:00pm on Christmas Day and will be available to view for a further 30 days online. The Cwm Rhondda excerpt can be viewed below.
The broadcast closed an excellent year for Lewis-Merthyr which also saw the band win the WWBBA and Welsh League First Section Championships. The band wishes all their members, friends, partners and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year throughout 2018 - Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda i chi gyd
www.lewismerthyrband.com/news
Filmed on location at the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery - now Rhondda Heritage Park - the sequence featured a performance of Arwel Hughes' magnificent setting of Cwm Rhondda. The arrangement for brass was specially transcribed for the band & Sir Bryn for the occasion by Welsh composer Christopher Painter, and also features an "amen" ending written by the composer's son, the famous orchestral conductor Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
The programme was broadcast at 9:00pm on Christmas Day and will be available to view for a further 30 days online. The Cwm Rhondda excerpt can be viewed below.
The broadcast closed an excellent year for Lewis-Merthyr which also saw the band win the WWBBA and Welsh League First Section Championships. The band wishes all their members, friends, partners and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year throughout 2018 - Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda i chi gyd
www.lewismerthyrband.com/news
Welsh League Champions & More
Craig enjoyed a very successful weekend at the recent 2017 SEWBBA Championships where both Lewis-Merthyr Band & Seindorf Arian Crwbin achieved further contesting success and additional awards for their success throughout the contesting year in the final championships of 2017.
Lewis-Merthyr Band were pronounced Welsh League First Section Champions for the first time in 21 years, adding to the WWBBA Championship title the band won in October and Runner Up placing achieved at the SEWBBA Championships.
Seindorf Arian Crwbin were pronounced Runner Up Welsh League Second Section Champions, adding to the National Eisteddfod Championship which the band won in August and making 2017 the most successful year in the band's 125 year history.
These awards are a testament to the incredible hard work & commitment of the members of both bands throughout the past 12 months. Huge thanks and congratulations go out to all members together with best wishes for a successful festive season and further successes ahead in 2018.
For further information on the activities of both bands, visit their individual websites www.lewismerthyrband.com and www.crwbinsilverband.com
Lewis-Merthyr Band were pronounced Welsh League First Section Champions for the first time in 21 years, adding to the WWBBA Championship title the band won in October and Runner Up placing achieved at the SEWBBA Championships.
Seindorf Arian Crwbin were pronounced Runner Up Welsh League Second Section Champions, adding to the National Eisteddfod Championship which the band won in August and making 2017 the most successful year in the band's 125 year history.
These awards are a testament to the incredible hard work & commitment of the members of both bands throughout the past 12 months. Huge thanks and congratulations go out to all members together with best wishes for a successful festive season and further successes ahead in 2018.
For further information on the activities of both bands, visit their individual websites www.lewismerthyrband.com and www.crwbinsilverband.com
Veterans Concert Band Wales Recording
Craig was delighted to recently undertake a very successful recording session in Cardiff with Veterans Concert Band Wales for Rondo Media and the S4C television programme Band Cymru. The band recorded four tracks - John Williams' Olympic Fanfare & Theme; Phillip Sparke's haunting arrangement of the Welsh traditional David of the White Rock / Dafydd Y Garreg Wen; Michael Sweeney's upbeat Swing the Mood selection; and David Arnold's epic Independence Day. The resultant recordings can be heard below.
The recordings are a reflection of the varied and versatile repertoire the band has developed since its inception under Craig's baton in January 2016, since which time they have undertaken performances for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as part of the nationwide Last Post Project; at the Welsh Proms Cymru in St David's Hall, Cardiff; as part of the main South Wales Armed Forces Day event, held at Caerphilly Castle; plus gala concert performance for Hafal and Forces For Change at the Princess Royal Theatre, at Talgarth, Brecon and Llandovery, Mid Wales.
Following a very successful two years, Craig will relinquish the position of Director of Music with VCB Wales in April 2018 and wishes the band every success and a very bright future in the years to come.
The recordings are a reflection of the varied and versatile repertoire the band has developed since its inception under Craig's baton in January 2016, since which time they have undertaken performances for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as part of the nationwide Last Post Project; at the Welsh Proms Cymru in St David's Hall, Cardiff; as part of the main South Wales Armed Forces Day event, held at Caerphilly Castle; plus gala concert performance for Hafal and Forces For Change at the Princess Royal Theatre, at Talgarth, Brecon and Llandovery, Mid Wales.
Following a very successful two years, Craig will relinquish the position of Director of Music with VCB Wales in April 2018 and wishes the band every success and a very bright future in the years to come.
Congratulations U.S.A.
Congratulations to our good friends at Atlantic and Fountain City Brass Bands on an incredibly successful weekend in competition. Firstly to Atlantic Brass who won the U.S. Open Championships held in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday November 18th, this alongside the NABBA National Championship title which the band won in Fort Wayne, Indiana in March granting the band the unique status of Double Champions!
Congratulations also to our friends at Fountain City Brass Band who came a close second to Norway's Eikanger Bjorsvik at the international Brass In Concert Championships held at The Sage, Gateshead on Sunday November 19th. A fantastically successful weekend for North American Brass Bands.
Representatives of both Atlantic Brass & Fountain City Brass Bands feature on the teaching staff of NABBSS, the North American Brass Band Summer School, which was co-founded by Craig, Dr. Robert Childs & David Childs, in conjunction with the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, in 2014.
NABBSS will celebrate its 5th anniversary in 2018 and will take place once again in conjunction with the RNSIT from June 23rd to July 3rd in the dynamic waterfront city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Registration for NABBSS 2018 is now open! For full information, and to register, please visit www.nabbss.com
Congratulations also to our friends at Fountain City Brass Band who came a close second to Norway's Eikanger Bjorsvik at the international Brass In Concert Championships held at The Sage, Gateshead on Sunday November 19th. A fantastically successful weekend for North American Brass Bands.
Representatives of both Atlantic Brass & Fountain City Brass Bands feature on the teaching staff of NABBSS, the North American Brass Band Summer School, which was co-founded by Craig, Dr. Robert Childs & David Childs, in conjunction with the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, in 2014.
NABBSS will celebrate its 5th anniversary in 2018 and will take place once again in conjunction with the RNSIT from June 23rd to July 3rd in the dynamic waterfront city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Registration for NABBSS 2018 is now open! For full information, and to register, please visit www.nabbss.com
We Will Remember Them
Craig was delighted to be able to support four Remembrance Day events this year at Blaengwynfi, Bridgend, Penarth & Tonyrefail, Rhondda together with Treherbert & District Brass, Lewis-Merthyr Band and Veterans Concert Band Wales. Despite the inclement weather experienced across the weekend, the bands played on and will continue to do so, every year for Remembrance Day. We Will Remember Them
Terfel & Trophies
October proved an incredibly successful month for Craig and the Lewis-Merthyr Band, seeing the band both winning the 2017 WWBBA First Section Championships and recording for S4C television with the world renowned Welsh baritone soloist Sir Bryn Terfel.
The band took the contesting accolade at the 2017 West Wales Brass Band Association held this year at the Memorial Hall, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire where Adjudicator Ian Porthouse described their performance of the American composer James Curnow's "Brass Metamorphosis" as "well shaped" and "well directed" with "great energy". The band were awarded 190 out of a possible 200 points, together with additional awards for the Best Soloist to guest flugel Zoe Alexander and the Conductor's Award to Musical Director Craig.
Ahead of the championships, the band were also to feature in a television recording with the legendary international Welsh opera star Sir Bryn Terfel. The filming was undertaken on location at the Rhondda Heritage Park, the site of the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery. Together with Sir Bryn, the band recorded a special setting by the Welsh composer Arwel Hughes of the traditional Welsh hymn Cwm Rhondda. The arrangement was transcribed especially for the occasion by Christopher Painter, with a special "Amen" ending written by the composer's son, the renowned Welsh conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The resultant film will feature in the final episode of Sir Bryn's new television series "Taith Bryn Terfel - Gwlad Y Gan" which will be broadcast nationwide on or around Christmas Day.
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to a busy month ahead in November, which will see a recording session for Rondo Media on Sunday November 5th, as well as the band supporting Remembrance Day events in Bridgend, Penarth and Tonyrefail. LMB will also undertake two of the band's popular Brass & Voices concerts at the Park & Dare Theatre with Pendyrus Male Choir on Tuesday November 7th, and at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, Bridgend with Bois Goetre Hen a'r Cylch on Saturday November 18th. The band will then close the month, and contesting year, with the final competition of the 2017 Welsh League series at Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday November 25th.
Further information about Lewis-Merthyr Band can be found at the band's own website www.lewismerthyrband.com
The band took the contesting accolade at the 2017 West Wales Brass Band Association held this year at the Memorial Hall, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire where Adjudicator Ian Porthouse described their performance of the American composer James Curnow's "Brass Metamorphosis" as "well shaped" and "well directed" with "great energy". The band were awarded 190 out of a possible 200 points, together with additional awards for the Best Soloist to guest flugel Zoe Alexander and the Conductor's Award to Musical Director Craig.
Ahead of the championships, the band were also to feature in a television recording with the legendary international Welsh opera star Sir Bryn Terfel. The filming was undertaken on location at the Rhondda Heritage Park, the site of the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery. Together with Sir Bryn, the band recorded a special setting by the Welsh composer Arwel Hughes of the traditional Welsh hymn Cwm Rhondda. The arrangement was transcribed especially for the occasion by Christopher Painter, with a special "Amen" ending written by the composer's son, the renowned Welsh conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The resultant film will feature in the final episode of Sir Bryn's new television series "Taith Bryn Terfel - Gwlad Y Gan" which will be broadcast nationwide on or around Christmas Day.
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to a busy month ahead in November, which will see a recording session for Rondo Media on Sunday November 5th, as well as the band supporting Remembrance Day events in Bridgend, Penarth and Tonyrefail. LMB will also undertake two of the band's popular Brass & Voices concerts at the Park & Dare Theatre with Pendyrus Male Choir on Tuesday November 7th, and at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, Bridgend with Bois Goetre Hen a'r Cylch on Saturday November 18th. The band will then close the month, and contesting year, with the final competition of the 2017 Welsh League series at Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday November 25th.
Further information about Lewis-Merthyr Band can be found at the band's own website www.lewismerthyrband.com
Welsh Proms Classic FM Broadcast
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Tuesday August 22nd saw the Welsh Proms Masterpieces Prom featuring the world renowned piano virtuoso John Lill CBE, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE broadcast on Classic FM, the UK's leading independent radio station with a listenership of eight million people.
The programme can be heard online here direct at www.classicfm.com/radio Programme: Glinka: Overture, Russlan & Ludmilla Wood: Aberfan (premiere broadcast) Muxworthy: Rigaudon (premiere performance) Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 |
Lewis-Merthyr Band feature on BBC television
Lewis-Merthyr Band were recently featured on BBC television in BBC Wales' "The Taff: The River That Made Wales" with Will Millard. The programme has been incredibly successful with repeat screenings on BBC Two, BBC Four and BBC Wales.
The episode focusing on the band features interviews with Trustee Ivor England - a former miner at the Lewis-Merthyr Colliery - plus Musical Director Craig Roberts and members of the band. The band is also featured performing excerpts of Cwm Rhondda, Kenneth Downie's Purcell Variations and the Miner's Hymn, Gresford.
The central feature on the band can be found below, while the full episode can be watched online until Wednesday September 13th at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0705d04
The episode focusing on the band features interviews with Trustee Ivor England - a former miner at the Lewis-Merthyr Colliery - plus Musical Director Craig Roberts and members of the band. The band is also featured performing excerpts of Cwm Rhondda, Kenneth Downie's Purcell Variations and the Miner's Hymn, Gresford.
The central feature on the band can be found below, while the full episode can be watched online until Wednesday September 13th at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0705d04
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Llongyfarchiadau Seindorf Arian Crwbin
Llongyfarchiadau / Congratulations to Seindorf Arian Crwbin Silver Band on becoming the 2017 National Eisteddfod of Wales Second Section Champions.
The band were awarded the title on Saturday August 5th at the Eisteddfod, hosted this year on the island of Anglesey - Ynys Mon.
Excerpts from the band's programme, conducted by Craig, can be found on the BBC website at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p059f9s6/eisteddfod-genedlaethol-cymru-cyfres-2017-rhaglen-y-dydd-sadwrn-3
Individual videos of the full programme can be found below and also on the Crwbin Band Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crwbinband
The band were awarded the title on Saturday August 5th at the Eisteddfod, hosted this year on the island of Anglesey - Ynys Mon.
Excerpts from the band's programme, conducted by Craig, can be found on the BBC website at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p059f9s6/eisteddfod-genedlaethol-cymru-cyfres-2017-rhaglen-y-dydd-sadwrn-3
Individual videos of the full programme can be found below and also on the Crwbin Band Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crwbinband
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Welsh Proms Cymru 2017
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The 2017 season of the Welsh Proms Cymru took place from July 22nd to 29th at St David's Hall, Cardiff. A theme of celebration pervaded throughout the 32nd season of Wales' national classical music festival, as the 2017 Proms celebrated the 75th birthday of Proms Founder and Artistic Director Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, the 25th birthday of Media Partner Classic FM, and the 85th birthday of blockbuster movie soundtrack legend John Williams, with a special Night at the Movies, presented by Classic FM's own John Suchet.
The festival featured the Welsh National Opera Company Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the internationally renowned piano virtuoso John Lill CBE and additional leading performers. Full details of the 2017 season are available at the Welsh Proms website www.welshproms.com or to download the 2017 Welsh Proms brochure, click here Additional information on Dr. Arwel Hughes can be found at his personal website www.owainarwelhughes.co.uk |
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo 2017
The 2017 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia from June 29 to July 6 and featured an incredible cast of international performers to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday year, including groups from Australia, Canada, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and United States of America.
Perennial favourites the Tattoo Highland Dancers and Massed Pipes & Drums will be returned, as well as the Fanfare Trumpets and Canadian Cadets musicians. The ever-popular Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Ceremonial Troop returned, appearing with a Canadian Armed Forces Contingent from the Royal Canadian Navy. The CF were also represented by the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, National Band of the Naval Reserve, 5 Canadian Division Band and the Royal Canadian Navy Enhanced Boarding Party.
The Tattoo also featured appearances from the Halifax Regional Police as well as Halifax Fire and Emergency. The Tattoo Choir is another staple in the production and the RNSIT were delighted to have them back celebrating their 35th year with the show.
Representing Western Canada, the 2017 Tattoo featured two groups from Calgary. The Calgary Stetson Show Band is an award-winning marching music ensemble, while the Calgary Fiddlers are an impressive group of youngsters that have performed for Royalty, Prime Ministers and Presidents.
Joining the 2017 cast for the first time was Bradisha from Atlantic Cirque, highly skilled in aerial silks, contortion, cerceau and trapeze. Titans Gymnasts also featured, joining the Tattoo on behalf of Titans Gymnastics and Trampoline Club, one of the largest gymnastics clubs in Eastern Canada. The Acadian Dancers, La Baie en Joie also returned to perform in this year's show for the first time in many years.
The Kalutskih Brothers from Moscow, Russia are incredible acrobats and Guinness World Record holders who showcased their tremendous precision and power on the Scotiabank Centre floor in their first appearance at the Tattoo.
Leading gymnastic comedians D'Holmikers also joined the 2017 cast with their comedic “Horror Show” routine. These Swiss gymnasts are also award-winning performers, recently recognised by the renowned International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo.
The Western Europe contingent also included the famed IMPS Motorcycle Display Team, a team of talented youngsters from London, England. The IMPS start learning their trade young – some are just five years old – and they wowed the Scotiabank Centre audience for the first time in over a decade with the slick tricks that have made them world-famous.
The German Army Band Gebirgsmusikkorps Garmisch-Partenkirchen (try saying that fast three times!) from Bavaria has travelled around the world at least 50 times in their 61-year history. They joined the Tattoo both with their full marching band routine, and unique alphorn soloists!
On the subject of unusual instruments, and also from Germany, the Groove Onkles Stomp-style "trash percussionists” performed unique musical routines, using large garbage and recycling bins as instruments!
From the USA, the Tattoo were excited to host the United States Navy Fleet Forces Band, the “Finest of the Fleet”, who regularly perform throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio River Valley and Central & South America. And finally, from Australia, came the Scotch College Pipe Band. This Swanbourne, Melbourne-based band has been an icon of their school for 70 years, and this summer joined the much-loved RNSIT Massed Pipes & Drums.
Added to all of the above was the North American Brass Band Summer School (NABBSS) Band, who this year was drawn from across Canada, the USA, UK & Norway, and led by a stellar team of international Buffet Group soloists, which included David Childs, Tom Hutchinson, Dr. Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, Lee Harrelson, Jason Sulliman, Scott Watson & James Foster. The Guest Conductor for 2017 was 2017 NABBA Chmapions Atlantic Brass Music Director / Conductor Salvatore Scarpa.
It was a quite incredible global cast for this year's special Canada 150 2017 Tattoo. A brief promotional video preview for the 2017 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo can be found below. The 2017 Tattoo DVD will be available in Autumn 2017 direct from www.nstattoo.cawww.nstattoo.ca
Perennial favourites the Tattoo Highland Dancers and Massed Pipes & Drums will be returned, as well as the Fanfare Trumpets and Canadian Cadets musicians. The ever-popular Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Ceremonial Troop returned, appearing with a Canadian Armed Forces Contingent from the Royal Canadian Navy. The CF were also represented by the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, National Band of the Naval Reserve, 5 Canadian Division Band and the Royal Canadian Navy Enhanced Boarding Party.
The Tattoo also featured appearances from the Halifax Regional Police as well as Halifax Fire and Emergency. The Tattoo Choir is another staple in the production and the RNSIT were delighted to have them back celebrating their 35th year with the show.
Representing Western Canada, the 2017 Tattoo featured two groups from Calgary. The Calgary Stetson Show Band is an award-winning marching music ensemble, while the Calgary Fiddlers are an impressive group of youngsters that have performed for Royalty, Prime Ministers and Presidents.
Joining the 2017 cast for the first time was Bradisha from Atlantic Cirque, highly skilled in aerial silks, contortion, cerceau and trapeze. Titans Gymnasts also featured, joining the Tattoo on behalf of Titans Gymnastics and Trampoline Club, one of the largest gymnastics clubs in Eastern Canada. The Acadian Dancers, La Baie en Joie also returned to perform in this year's show for the first time in many years.
The Kalutskih Brothers from Moscow, Russia are incredible acrobats and Guinness World Record holders who showcased their tremendous precision and power on the Scotiabank Centre floor in their first appearance at the Tattoo.
Leading gymnastic comedians D'Holmikers also joined the 2017 cast with their comedic “Horror Show” routine. These Swiss gymnasts are also award-winning performers, recently recognised by the renowned International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo.
The Western Europe contingent also included the famed IMPS Motorcycle Display Team, a team of talented youngsters from London, England. The IMPS start learning their trade young – some are just five years old – and they wowed the Scotiabank Centre audience for the first time in over a decade with the slick tricks that have made them world-famous.
The German Army Band Gebirgsmusikkorps Garmisch-Partenkirchen (try saying that fast three times!) from Bavaria has travelled around the world at least 50 times in their 61-year history. They joined the Tattoo both with their full marching band routine, and unique alphorn soloists!
On the subject of unusual instruments, and also from Germany, the Groove Onkles Stomp-style "trash percussionists” performed unique musical routines, using large garbage and recycling bins as instruments!
From the USA, the Tattoo were excited to host the United States Navy Fleet Forces Band, the “Finest of the Fleet”, who regularly perform throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio River Valley and Central & South America. And finally, from Australia, came the Scotch College Pipe Band. This Swanbourne, Melbourne-based band has been an icon of their school for 70 years, and this summer joined the much-loved RNSIT Massed Pipes & Drums.
Added to all of the above was the North American Brass Band Summer School (NABBSS) Band, who this year was drawn from across Canada, the USA, UK & Norway, and led by a stellar team of international Buffet Group soloists, which included David Childs, Tom Hutchinson, Dr. Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, Lee Harrelson, Jason Sulliman, Scott Watson & James Foster. The Guest Conductor for 2017 was 2017 NABBA Chmapions Atlantic Brass Music Director / Conductor Salvatore Scarpa.
It was a quite incredible global cast for this year's special Canada 150 2017 Tattoo. A brief promotional video preview for the 2017 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo can be found below. The 2017 Tattoo DVD will be available in Autumn 2017 direct from www.nstattoo.cawww.nstattoo.ca
North American Brass Band Summer School 2017
The fourth annual North American Brass Band Summer School took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in conjunction with the 2017 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Monday June 26th to Friday July 7th.
The school will saw over sixty delegates from across the USA, Canada and wider gather under the tutelage of a team of all-star Besson soloists and perform to c.60 000 people as part of the cast of the world's largest annual indoor show. Additional performers included those from Canada, Australia, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and United States of America.
Further information on the course, including images and delegate testimonials, plus registration information for NABBSS 2018 can be found at the NABBSS website www.nabbss.com
The school will saw over sixty delegates from across the USA, Canada and wider gather under the tutelage of a team of all-star Besson soloists and perform to c.60 000 people as part of the cast of the world's largest annual indoor show. Additional performers included those from Canada, Australia, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and United States of America.
Further information on the course, including images and delegate testimonials, plus registration information for NABBSS 2018 can be found at the NABBSS website www.nabbss.com
The North American Brass Band Summer School Band with the National Ceremonial Troop of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on stage at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Finale
Symphonic Brass Wales visit Moscow
Symphonic Brass Wales were recently invited to perform at the prestigious Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Russia. One of the most important Russian national holidays, the Victory Day celebrations are held across Russia each year on May 9th.
SBW visited the Russian capital from the 7th to 14th of May 2017, participating in the celebrations by marching in "The Immortal Regiment" Parade and giving a series of concerts in the city's parks and concert halls.
Alongside fellow performing groups from Italy, New Zealand & Scotland, SBW were along the first foreign groups invited to participate in the parade, which each year sees tens of thousands of descendants of Second World War soldiers march through Moscow's main streets, including the iconic Red Square, bearing photographs of their ancestors.
Footage of the parade can be found on the SBW website at www.symphonicbrasswales.com/russia-2017 while the official website of the Immortal Regiment Parade can be found here
Further images of SBW in performance in Moscow, directed by Craig, can be found at the group's Facebook page www.facebook.com/symphonicbrasswales
SBW visited the Russian capital from the 7th to 14th of May 2017, participating in the celebrations by marching in "The Immortal Regiment" Parade and giving a series of concerts in the city's parks and concert halls.
Alongside fellow performing groups from Italy, New Zealand & Scotland, SBW were along the first foreign groups invited to participate in the parade, which each year sees tens of thousands of descendants of Second World War soldiers march through Moscow's main streets, including the iconic Red Square, bearing photographs of their ancestors.
Footage of the parade can be found on the SBW website at www.symphonicbrasswales.com/russia-2017 while the official website of the Immortal Regiment Parade can be found here
Further images of SBW in performance in Moscow, directed by Craig, can be found at the group's Facebook page www.facebook.com/symphonicbrasswales
Congratulations Lewis-Merthyr Band
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Lewis-Merthyr Band ended the 2016 contesting season with repeat success, again being named Runner Up Welsh League First Section Champions.
Thanks and congratulations go to all members for their sterling commitment and high level of performance throughout the 2016 season. For further information, or to engage - or join! - the band, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com |
News Archive
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