Organisations
Below can be found a list of organisations with whom Craig has recently collaborated and worked with.
Further information on each can, where available, be found by clicking on the links to the organisations' own sites.
Further information on various projects involving these artists can also be found in the projects section of this site
Further information on each can, where available, be found by clicking on the links to the organisations' own sites.
Further information on various projects involving these artists can also be found in the projects section of this site
Ceremonial Guard, Ottawa
The Ceremonial Guard performs Public Duties in Ottawa beginning in late June to the end of August annually with military training for new band recruits beginning in early May.
The first parade is generally conducted on the Friday prior to Canada Day (July 1) and the final parade on the last Sunday in August. These dates are dictated by the training required for the soldiers in preparation for Public Duties, and, as most are members of the Primary Reserve attending college or university, by the end and the beginning of the academic year.
Public Duties by the Ceremonial Guard include the mounting of Guards at the residence of Her Excellency, the Governor General of Canada;
Rideau Hall
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard often participates in the Governor General's Summer Concert series held on the grounds of the official residence, Rideau Hall. The Ceremonial Guard mounts the Guard of Honour for Her Excellency on Canada Day on Parliament Hill. The Guardsmen perform extended Public Duties and provide an overnight presence at Rideau Hall during visits by members of the Royal family.
Royal Visits
The Ceremonial Guard has participated in all the Royal Visits in Ottawa since 1959. The Ceremonial Guard has also participated in visits by heads of government.
The Band
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard is part of the Canadian Forces Primary Reserves. It forms each year for the purpose of providing musical support for the world famous Changing the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill - Ottawa. During this period the band is also tasked with supporting official functions held at Rideau Hall, foreign embassies, and other sites around the national capital region.
Distinctive in the scarlet uniform and bearskin headdress, the Band of the Ceremonial Guard attracts huge crowds wherever it performs. The band provides an excellent summer employment opportunity for music students to experience life in the Canadian Forces. Selected candidates are not only excellent musicians, but also fine ambassadors of the Canadian people.
This military band has been given many awards and is considered the top military marching band in the country. In 1997, the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority, in recognition of the Ceremonial Guards long association with the City of Ottawa, acknowledged the Ceremonial Guard as the most prominent tourist attraction in the Nation's capital.
Many outstanding musicians from universities and colleges across Canada have been members of the Band of the Ceremonial Guard in the past. Several of these have gone on to musical careers as members of professional symphonies or military bands and as music teachers or educators.
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard also participates in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, and in 2008 the Band participated in Oslo, Norway as part of HM King Harald V Kings Guard Inspection and the Norwegian Changing of the Guard along with numerous concerts in Oslo.
Craig has worked with the Ceremonial Guard on many occasions, dating back to the 1998 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. For four years, Craig worked with the Ceremonial Guard on their own show Fortissimo, which takes place in early August each year, on Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
Further information on Fortissimo can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on the Ceremonial Guard and its activities can be found at its own website http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/cg-gc/guard-garde-eng.asp
The first parade is generally conducted on the Friday prior to Canada Day (July 1) and the final parade on the last Sunday in August. These dates are dictated by the training required for the soldiers in preparation for Public Duties, and, as most are members of the Primary Reserve attending college or university, by the end and the beginning of the academic year.
Public Duties by the Ceremonial Guard include the mounting of Guards at the residence of Her Excellency, the Governor General of Canada;
- performing the daily ceremony of Changing the Guard on Parliament Hill at 10:00 a.m.
- providing daily sentries at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial
- the mounting of Guards of Honour for visiting heads of state or other dignitaries
- participating in official public or military functions in the Capital
- performance of public concerts or other ceremonies to promote the Canadian Forces.
Rideau Hall
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard often participates in the Governor General's Summer Concert series held on the grounds of the official residence, Rideau Hall. The Ceremonial Guard mounts the Guard of Honour for Her Excellency on Canada Day on Parliament Hill. The Guardsmen perform extended Public Duties and provide an overnight presence at Rideau Hall during visits by members of the Royal family.
Royal Visits
The Ceremonial Guard has participated in all the Royal Visits in Ottawa since 1959. The Ceremonial Guard has also participated in visits by heads of government.
The Band
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard is part of the Canadian Forces Primary Reserves. It forms each year for the purpose of providing musical support for the world famous Changing the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill - Ottawa. During this period the band is also tasked with supporting official functions held at Rideau Hall, foreign embassies, and other sites around the national capital region.
Distinctive in the scarlet uniform and bearskin headdress, the Band of the Ceremonial Guard attracts huge crowds wherever it performs. The band provides an excellent summer employment opportunity for music students to experience life in the Canadian Forces. Selected candidates are not only excellent musicians, but also fine ambassadors of the Canadian people.
This military band has been given many awards and is considered the top military marching band in the country. In 1997, the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority, in recognition of the Ceremonial Guards long association with the City of Ottawa, acknowledged the Ceremonial Guard as the most prominent tourist attraction in the Nation's capital.
Many outstanding musicians from universities and colleges across Canada have been members of the Band of the Ceremonial Guard in the past. Several of these have gone on to musical careers as members of professional symphonies or military bands and as music teachers or educators.
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard also participates in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, and in 2008 the Band participated in Oslo, Norway as part of HM King Harald V Kings Guard Inspection and the Norwegian Changing of the Guard along with numerous concerts in Oslo.
Craig has worked with the Ceremonial Guard on many occasions, dating back to the 1998 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. For four years, Craig worked with the Ceremonial Guard on their own show Fortissimo, which takes place in early August each year, on Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
Further information on Fortissimo can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on the Ceremonial Guard and its activities can be found at its own website http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/cg-gc/guard-garde-eng.asp
Guthrie Woods Products Ltd
Craig enjoyed a longstanding working relationship and friendship with Woods Manufacturing Company President and philanthropist N. Guthrie Woods.
In 1997 Mr Woods founded the Woods Manufacturing Company Brass Band. The band first appeared at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo later that year and then continued to perform in concerts and large scale performances across Canada and North America under the baton of Dave Druce.
Craig became Director of the band in 2000 and under his baton the band performed at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (2000-2003), the Virginia International Tattoo (2001/2002) - accompanying there the Lochiel Drill Team from New Zealand - and the Netherlands Nationale Taptoe (2002) - accompanying there the National Ceremonial Troop of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The band also undertook two CD recordings with Craig, Thine Be the Glory and All Through the Night, both of which are available from Guthrie Woods Products Ltd. Further information on the company, and its founder, can be found at www.guthriewoods.com
In 1997 Mr Woods founded the Woods Manufacturing Company Brass Band. The band first appeared at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo later that year and then continued to perform in concerts and large scale performances across Canada and North America under the baton of Dave Druce.
Craig became Director of the band in 2000 and under his baton the band performed at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (2000-2003), the Virginia International Tattoo (2001/2002) - accompanying there the Lochiel Drill Team from New Zealand - and the Netherlands Nationale Taptoe (2002) - accompanying there the National Ceremonial Troop of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The band also undertook two CD recordings with Craig, Thine Be the Glory and All Through the Night, both of which are available from Guthrie Woods Products Ltd. Further information on the company, and its founder, can be found at www.guthriewoods.com
Hands On Science
Hands on Science is about encouraging young people across Wales to study Science, Maths and Health related subjects beyond GCSE. Hands on Science is a partnership of higher education institutions, further education colleges and other education providers throughout Wales.
Craig worked together with Hands On Science and Coordinator Laura Janes on the astronomy and live music project The Planets and is now working with them on the new arts project for 2010 The Red Lady of Paviland.
Further information on both The Planets and The Red Lady of Paviland can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on Hands On Science can be found at its own website www.handsonscience.org.uk
Craig worked together with Hands On Science and Coordinator Laura Janes on the astronomy and live music project The Planets and is now working with them on the new arts project for 2010 The Red Lady of Paviland.
Further information on both The Planets and The Red Lady of Paviland can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on Hands On Science can be found at its own website www.handsonscience.org.uk
Hamburg Polizei Show
The Hamburg Polizei Show is a large scale indoor show featuring the Hamburg Police Force alongside a host of international performers. The show takes place in late October each year in front of sellout crowds of thousands, at the Sporthalle, Hamburg, Germany.
Craig has been associated with the show for almost 10 years, and directed the combined Northop Silver / Parc & Dare Band at the show in 2003, and appeared again with Symphonic Brass Wales in 2010.
Further information on the show can be found at its own website www.polizeishow-hamburg.de
Craig has been associated with the show for almost 10 years, and directed the combined Northop Silver / Parc & Dare Band at the show in 2003, and appeared again with Symphonic Brass Wales in 2010.
Further information on the show can be found at its own website www.polizeishow-hamburg.de
The Imperial Ice Stars
Imperial Ice is one of the worlds leading Ice Skating production companies. Based in Moscow, Russia, Imperial Ice is the home of The Imperial Ice Stars, the worlds foremost theatre on ice skating company.
From theatre stage to ice arena's, their creative team boats world renowned ability to produce high quality ice skating productions to suit a wide variety of venues and occasions, bringing the beautiful art of figure skating to a wide variety of delighted audiences the world over.
The creative production team has achieved over 15 Olympic Medals and is led by one of the worlds leading ice choreographers and ice show directors, Tony Mercer. The company's resident musical arranger / composer is Tim A. Duncan
Craig has worked with Tim on many occasions, most recently the score for the Ice Stars production of Swan Lake on Ice. Further information on the Imperial Ice Stars can be found at their own website www.imperialicestars.com
From theatre stage to ice arena's, their creative team boats world renowned ability to produce high quality ice skating productions to suit a wide variety of venues and occasions, bringing the beautiful art of figure skating to a wide variety of delighted audiences the world over.
The creative production team has achieved over 15 Olympic Medals and is led by one of the worlds leading ice choreographers and ice show directors, Tony Mercer. The company's resident musical arranger / composer is Tim A. Duncan
Craig has worked with Tim on many occasions, most recently the score for the Ice Stars production of Swan Lake on Ice. Further information on the Imperial Ice Stars can be found at their own website www.imperialicestars.com
Musikkapelle Thanheim
Thanheim is one of the oldest and well known traditional wind orchestras in Southern Germany. In this small village, at the foot of the magnificent Castle Hohenzollern, people have made music since 1791.
Fidel Dehner is listed in the records as the first conductor of the orchestra. He first founded the string quartet, which then later expanded to include a harp, which was played by his daughter Ava, and his sons, Johann and Friedrich, and other musicians then also joined the band.
The musicians toured throughout the south of Germany to earn a living. The Catholic Church would not support the tours at all, deeming the musicians who took part in them as "godless".
In 1830, the first wind band music ensemble was founded by Karl Buckenmaier. Their musical tours were recorded in a book between 1845 and 1853. The band played in guest houses across the south of Germany as well as in Switzerland.
In 1855 court musician Sebastian Dehner, son of Fidel Dehner, established brass music. After his death in 1867, his son Felix Dehner took over successfully, and the band gave concerts to King Ludwig II at Hohenschwangau, to Joseph Strauss - the younger brother of Johann Strauss - in Vienna, and to Richard Wagner in Lucerne, Switzerland.
In 1927 the wind band was classified as ‘entry level’ by competition judges and competed in the intermediate level in the same year. Then, in 1968, they competed in the upper level for first time, before being promoted to the master level, the highest rank, where they have remained successfully until present day.
Even in the present day, the symphonic wind band is still touring, however these days those tours aren’t undertaken any longer with the intention of providing a living for those who participate, instead their new goal is to connect with different nations and cultures.
Between 1966 and 1981 they toured Wolf/Mosel, Brie-Comte-Robert/Frankreich, Burgsteinfurt/Westfalen and Eersel/Netherlands (twice). They reached their biggest international success in 1983 at the "Prager Frühling" in Brünn/Czech Republic, when they won first prize at the 3rd International Folk Music Competition in the master level, with Dr. Paul Münch as their conductor. Following this they toured Israel (1984), "Military Tattoo" Reading/England (1986), Calella/Spain (1988 and 1996), Budapest/Hungary (1993), Semeljci/Croatia (2010) and Vienna/Austria (2013). Their most recent tour to Wales is another milestone in the history of the concert band.
Besides the many events the band attends and performs in, the Musikkapelle Thanheim has also produced several recordings and regularly performs on radio and television broadcasts.
Fidel Dehner is listed in the records as the first conductor of the orchestra. He first founded the string quartet, which then later expanded to include a harp, which was played by his daughter Ava, and his sons, Johann and Friedrich, and other musicians then also joined the band.
The musicians toured throughout the south of Germany to earn a living. The Catholic Church would not support the tours at all, deeming the musicians who took part in them as "godless".
In 1830, the first wind band music ensemble was founded by Karl Buckenmaier. Their musical tours were recorded in a book between 1845 and 1853. The band played in guest houses across the south of Germany as well as in Switzerland.
In 1855 court musician Sebastian Dehner, son of Fidel Dehner, established brass music. After his death in 1867, his son Felix Dehner took over successfully, and the band gave concerts to King Ludwig II at Hohenschwangau, to Joseph Strauss - the younger brother of Johann Strauss - in Vienna, and to Richard Wagner in Lucerne, Switzerland.
In 1927 the wind band was classified as ‘entry level’ by competition judges and competed in the intermediate level in the same year. Then, in 1968, they competed in the upper level for first time, before being promoted to the master level, the highest rank, where they have remained successfully until present day.
Even in the present day, the symphonic wind band is still touring, however these days those tours aren’t undertaken any longer with the intention of providing a living for those who participate, instead their new goal is to connect with different nations and cultures.
Between 1966 and 1981 they toured Wolf/Mosel, Brie-Comte-Robert/Frankreich, Burgsteinfurt/Westfalen and Eersel/Netherlands (twice). They reached their biggest international success in 1983 at the "Prager Frühling" in Brünn/Czech Republic, when they won first prize at the 3rd International Folk Music Competition in the master level, with Dr. Paul Münch as their conductor. Following this they toured Israel (1984), "Military Tattoo" Reading/England (1986), Calella/Spain (1988 and 1996), Budapest/Hungary (1993), Semeljci/Croatia (2010) and Vienna/Austria (2013). Their most recent tour to Wales is another milestone in the history of the concert band.
Besides the many events the band attends and performs in, the Musikkapelle Thanheim has also produced several recordings and regularly performs on radio and television broadcasts.
Kremlin Zoria
Kremlin Zoria was a huge scale outdoor spectacular undertaken by the Russian Ministry of Defence and Producer Vitaly Mironov on Red Square, Moscow in September 2007. Russia's first International Military Festival, the event was launched with the approval of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with official permission to stage the Festival being signed by President Putin on 13 July 2006.
The Festival was held in Moscow's historic Red Square, in front of the iconic St Basil's Cathedral and adjacent to the ancient Kremlin walls, on 13-16 September 2007, before an audience in excess of 32, 000 people.
The Russian word zoria is an old military signal, either reveille in the morning or tattoo at night, played by drums, bugles or brass bands. The signal was used to open and close the Festival.
The Festival sought to revive and showcase the excellent traditions of the Russian Armed Forces, to strengthen their prestige, celebrate Russian national symbols and anniversaries of historical events or figures, as well as promoting international links.
Participants of the Zoria included distinguished performers from Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Russia was represented by her best military bands, units, dancers and singers: the President's Band of the Moscow Kremlin Commandant's Service, the Central Band of the Ministry of Defence, Cossack Dancers, Nalmes Dance Company and the Cavalry Escort of the President's Regiment.
Organised and staged by the Kremlin Zoria Foundation, the event was widely covered by Russian and international media, including federal and international television channels, radio stations and newspapers.
The Festival was held in Moscow's historic Red Square, in front of the iconic St Basil's Cathedral and adjacent to the ancient Kremlin walls, on 13-16 September 2007, before an audience in excess of 32, 000 people.
The Russian word zoria is an old military signal, either reveille in the morning or tattoo at night, played by drums, bugles or brass bands. The signal was used to open and close the Festival.
The Festival sought to revive and showcase the excellent traditions of the Russian Armed Forces, to strengthen their prestige, celebrate Russian national symbols and anniversaries of historical events or figures, as well as promoting international links.
Participants of the Zoria included distinguished performers from Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Russia was represented by her best military bands, units, dancers and singers: the President's Band of the Moscow Kremlin Commandant's Service, the Central Band of the Ministry of Defence, Cossack Dancers, Nalmes Dance Company and the Cavalry Escort of the President's Regiment.
Organised and staged by the Kremlin Zoria Foundation, the event was widely covered by Russian and international media, including federal and international television channels, radio stations and newspapers.
Netherlands Nationale Taptoe
The Nationale Taptoe is the national tattoo of the Netherlands. A large scale indoor show, the taptoe is currently hosted annually in Rotterdam in September each year.
Craig directed the Woods Manufacturing Company Brass Band of Canada at the show in 2002, where the band appeared alongside the National Ceremonial Troop of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Further information on the taptoe can be found at its own website www.nationaletaptoe.nl
Craig directed the Woods Manufacturing Company Brass Band of Canada at the show in 2002, where the band appeared alongside the National Ceremonial Troop of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Further information on the taptoe can be found at its own website www.nationaletaptoe.nl
NSBA
The NSBA is a voluntary association and registered charity, working for young musicians and their teachers in primary and secondary, state and independent schools, local music support services and youth organisations. Its influence extends throughout Great Britain.
The central aim of the NSBA is to further the musical education of all young people by promoting the playing of brass and woodwind instruments in schools, colleges and communities. The Association achieves its aims by promoting music in several ways including
• The formation of bands and smaller ensembles.
• The generation of new music (including commissions) for bands, ensembles and individual players.
• The dissemination of information and training opportunities for teachers and others concerned with the education and development of young musicians.
• The bringing together of young musicians for festivals, inter-school and community events and activities under expert tuition.
• Liason with other appropriate organisations to ensure access and opportunity for young people with disabilities.
The Association is run by an Executive Committee of teachers and musicians and has hosted large scale events, festivals, residential courses and workshops across the whole of the United Kingdom. The Association has also commissioned a large amount of new music for young wind and brass band. Craig was formerly Executive Officer of the Association between 2006 and 2007.
Further information on NSBA and its activities can be found at its own website www.nsba.btik.com
The central aim of the NSBA is to further the musical education of all young people by promoting the playing of brass and woodwind instruments in schools, colleges and communities. The Association achieves its aims by promoting music in several ways including
• The formation of bands and smaller ensembles.
• The generation of new music (including commissions) for bands, ensembles and individual players.
• The dissemination of information and training opportunities for teachers and others concerned with the education and development of young musicians.
• The bringing together of young musicians for festivals, inter-school and community events and activities under expert tuition.
• Liason with other appropriate organisations to ensure access and opportunity for young people with disabilities.
The Association is run by an Executive Committee of teachers and musicians and has hosted large scale events, festivals, residential courses and workshops across the whole of the United Kingdom. The Association has also commissioned a large amount of new music for young wind and brass band. Craig was formerly Executive Officer of the Association between 2006 and 2007.
Further information on NSBA and its activities can be found at its own website www.nsba.btik.com
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Craig has worked closely with various departments of RCTCBC for many years, on a wide variety of events including indoor and outdoor events with the County's Town Centre Forums, large scale concerts for the Mayor's Office, twinning events overseas and a string of events and projects with the County Borough's Cultural Services Department.
Further information on RCTCBC can be found at www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk while specfic information on RCT Cultural Services can be found at www.rct-arts.co.uk Further information on individual projects Craig has worked on with RCT can be found in the projects section of this site
Further information on RCTCBC can be found at www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk while specfic information on RCT Cultural Services can be found at www.rct-arts.co.uk Further information on individual projects Craig has worked on with RCT can be found in the projects section of this site
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is the world's largest annual indoor show. Featuring a cast of over 2000 performers, and playing to a live and incredibly appreciative audience in excess of 60000 people per annum, the show is held each year during the first week of July at the Metro Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.Craig has been associated with the Tattoo for over a 17 years, firstly as a performer, then Director, Arranger, and is now a member of the core Production Team and one of two Assistant Directors of the show.
Further information on the RNSIT can be found on the Tattoo's own website www.nstattoo.ca
Further information on the RNSIT can be found on the Tattoo's own website www.nstattoo.ca
Stadtkapelle Nurtingen
The Stadtkapelle Nurtingen hails from Rhondda Cynon Taf's twin town of Nurtingen, Germany.
Wir sind ein modernes Blasorchester der Oberstufe mit über 150jähriger Tradition, ausgerichtet auf konzertante und sinfonische Blasmusik mit engen Kontakten zur internationalen Blasmusik in Frankreich, der Schweiz, Italien, Ungarn und Wales. Regelmäßige Konzertreihen und Präsentation bei städtischen Veranstaltungen gehören zu unserem Programm.
Seit unserer Gründung im Jahre 1851 pflegen wir die im Jahre 1572 entstandene Tradition des Turmblasens auf dem Turm der Laurentiuskirche in Nürtingen weiter.
Wir bieten eine umfassende Ausbildung auf allen Instrumenten des modernen Blasorchesters im Einzelunterricht durch professionelle Lehrkräfte, in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der städtischen Musik- und Jugendkunstschule.
In 2006, a delegation from Nurtingen, led by Stadtkapelle President Eberhard Beck, visited Wales for the 2006 Welsh Brass Arts Festival, and at that event a firm twinning link between Craig and the Stadtkapelle Nurtingen was formed.
In December 2007 Craig visited Nurtingen with a 10 piece ensemble from Rhondda Cynon Taf, flying to Germany to perform in concert alongside both the Stadtkapelle, and also the Stadtorchester Ravensburg. A group from Nurtingen then visited Rhondda Cynon Taf to perform in the 2008 Welsh Brass Arts Festival, and Craig again returned to Nurtingen with the Cwmaman Band to perform in the Nurtingen Tattoo alongside the Stadtkapelle and Director Herward Heidinger in 2009. He has since returned to work with the Stadtkapelle on numerous occasions since, most recently in 2013 and 2014 working with the annual Nurtingen Tattoo.
Further information on the Stadtkapelle can be found at their own website www.stadtkapelle-nurtingen.de
Wir sind ein modernes Blasorchester der Oberstufe mit über 150jähriger Tradition, ausgerichtet auf konzertante und sinfonische Blasmusik mit engen Kontakten zur internationalen Blasmusik in Frankreich, der Schweiz, Italien, Ungarn und Wales. Regelmäßige Konzertreihen und Präsentation bei städtischen Veranstaltungen gehören zu unserem Programm.
Seit unserer Gründung im Jahre 1851 pflegen wir die im Jahre 1572 entstandene Tradition des Turmblasens auf dem Turm der Laurentiuskirche in Nürtingen weiter.
Wir bieten eine umfassende Ausbildung auf allen Instrumenten des modernen Blasorchesters im Einzelunterricht durch professionelle Lehrkräfte, in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der städtischen Musik- und Jugendkunstschule.
In 2006, a delegation from Nurtingen, led by Stadtkapelle President Eberhard Beck, visited Wales for the 2006 Welsh Brass Arts Festival, and at that event a firm twinning link between Craig and the Stadtkapelle Nurtingen was formed.
In December 2007 Craig visited Nurtingen with a 10 piece ensemble from Rhondda Cynon Taf, flying to Germany to perform in concert alongside both the Stadtkapelle, and also the Stadtorchester Ravensburg. A group from Nurtingen then visited Rhondda Cynon Taf to perform in the 2008 Welsh Brass Arts Festival, and Craig again returned to Nurtingen with the Cwmaman Band to perform in the Nurtingen Tattoo alongside the Stadtkapelle and Director Herward Heidinger in 2009. He has since returned to work with the Stadtkapelle on numerous occasions since, most recently in 2013 and 2014 working with the annual Nurtingen Tattoo.
Further information on the Stadtkapelle can be found at their own website www.stadtkapelle-nurtingen.de
Stadtorchester Ravensburg
Craig was approached by the Stadtorchester Ravensburg In April 2005 to assess the level of interest of developing a twinning link with the sixty strong German wind orchestra. In June of that year Stadtorchester Direktor Harald Hepner visited Rhondda Cynon Taf and that year’s Welsh Brass Arts Festival, to meet with Craig and finalise whether a twinning link could be formed.
The Stadtorchester’s invitation was duly accepted and in December of that year Craig flew to Ravensburg to work with the Stadtorchester and direct them in concert, alongside Harald. The performance at the Ravensburg Konzerthaus included performances of Gustav Holst's Moorside Suite and Percy Grainger's beautiful Irish Tune from County Derry.
A return visit was made in April 2006 with Herr Hepner returning to Rhondda Cynon Taf at Craig’s invitation to work alongside Craig with the Parc & Dare Band and the Treorchy Male Choir. In 2006 the now firmly established link with the Stadtorchester Ravensburg became the focal point of the 2006 Welsh Brass Arts Festival, and the entire orchestra travelled from Germany to Wales to perform in the event, in a concert entitled Big Anthem Fawr. The concert was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Welsh National Anthem "Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", the anthem being composed in Rhondda Cynon Taf by Pontypridd's Evan James and James James in 1856.
In addition to a new arrangement, by Craig, of the Welsh National Anthem, the programme also featured music by Mozart, Monteverdi and first performances by a combined wind and brass orchestra of Edward Gregson's "The Sword & The Crown" and the Third Symphony of American composer James Barnes.
Following the visit of the Stadtorchester to Wales in 2006 Craig then travelled again to Ravensburg with a ten piece brass ensemble in December 2007 which performed under Craig's direction in the orchestra's annual Festliche Konzert. Craig will return to Ravensburg in December 2014 to again work with the Stadtorchester, in conjunction with international euphonium soloist David Childs.
Further information on the Stadtorchester Ravensburg can be found at the orchestra’s own website www.stadtorchester-ravensburg.de
The Stadtorchester’s invitation was duly accepted and in December of that year Craig flew to Ravensburg to work with the Stadtorchester and direct them in concert, alongside Harald. The performance at the Ravensburg Konzerthaus included performances of Gustav Holst's Moorside Suite and Percy Grainger's beautiful Irish Tune from County Derry.
A return visit was made in April 2006 with Herr Hepner returning to Rhondda Cynon Taf at Craig’s invitation to work alongside Craig with the Parc & Dare Band and the Treorchy Male Choir. In 2006 the now firmly established link with the Stadtorchester Ravensburg became the focal point of the 2006 Welsh Brass Arts Festival, and the entire orchestra travelled from Germany to Wales to perform in the event, in a concert entitled Big Anthem Fawr. The concert was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Welsh National Anthem "Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", the anthem being composed in Rhondda Cynon Taf by Pontypridd's Evan James and James James in 1856.
In addition to a new arrangement, by Craig, of the Welsh National Anthem, the programme also featured music by Mozart, Monteverdi and first performances by a combined wind and brass orchestra of Edward Gregson's "The Sword & The Crown" and the Third Symphony of American composer James Barnes.
Following the visit of the Stadtorchester to Wales in 2006 Craig then travelled again to Ravensburg with a ten piece brass ensemble in December 2007 which performed under Craig's direction in the orchestra's annual Festliche Konzert. Craig will return to Ravensburg in December 2014 to again work with the Stadtorchester, in conjunction with international euphonium soloist David Childs.
Further information on the Stadtorchester Ravensburg can be found at the orchestra’s own website www.stadtorchester-ravensburg.de
The Centre for Welsh Music, Ty Cerdd
Ty Cerdd was formed as the Welsh Amateur Music Federation in 1969 and serves nearly 400 amateur music-making societies throughout Wales, including operatic societies, brass bands, choirs, folk song and dance groups and youth music ensembles, representing some 25,000 performers.
It formed and administers the National Youth Brass Band, Choir, Jazz, Symphonic Brass and Wind Orchestra of Wales as part of its Youth Music Development Programme.
The Federation offers funding, artistic advice, information and development support, encourages the promotion of new music, and runs a large music lending library.
Under the umbrella of Tŷ Cerdd - Music Centre Wales, the Welsh Amateur Music Federation works in partnership with the Welsh Music Information Centre and Cyfansoddwyr Cymru (Composers of Wales). It has close links with many other music organisations throughout Wales and the world.
Craig is a member of the executive council of Ty Cerdd
Further information on the Federation and other facets of Ty Cerdd can be found at the Federation's own website www.tycerdd.org
It formed and administers the National Youth Brass Band, Choir, Jazz, Symphonic Brass and Wind Orchestra of Wales as part of its Youth Music Development Programme.
The Federation offers funding, artistic advice, information and development support, encourages the promotion of new music, and runs a large music lending library.
Under the umbrella of Tŷ Cerdd - Music Centre Wales, the Welsh Amateur Music Federation works in partnership with the Welsh Music Information Centre and Cyfansoddwyr Cymru (Composers of Wales). It has close links with many other music organisations throughout Wales and the world.
Craig is a member of the executive council of Ty Cerdd
Further information on the Federation and other facets of Ty Cerdd can be found at the Federation's own website www.tycerdd.org
Virginia International Tattoo
Presented annually at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, the Virginia International Tattoo is an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drums, drill teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, choirs and more. Each year, a cast of over 800 artists from several countries creates an unforgettable spectacle under one roof for four breathtaking performances. The Virginia International Tattoo is the largest show of its kind in the United States.
Craig appeared at the Virginia Tattoo in 2001 and 2002, directing the Woods Manufacturing Company Brass Band of Canada
Further information on the Virginia International Tattoo can be found at http://www.virginiaartsfest.com/2010/tattoo.php
Craig appeared at the Virginia Tattoo in 2001 and 2002, directing the Woods Manufacturing Company Brass Band of Canada
Further information on the Virginia International Tattoo can be found at http://www.virginiaartsfest.com/2010/tattoo.php
Welsh National Opera Company
WNO is a world-class opera company, recognised both in the UK and internationally for its artistic excellence. It is the UK’s largest provider of touring opera, and the most active in Europe. WNO is resident at the Wales Millennium Centre, its home theatre, rehearsal and administrative base, where a significant proportion of its technical work is also undertaken.
WNO has a permanent staff of 250 including orchestra, chorus, principal singers, production, technical, WNO MAX and administrative staff. WNO’s Chorus and Orchestra are highly acclaimed by critics and audiences, and their artistic achievement has been recognised by a succession of prestigious awards.
Craig worked with WNO on the 2008 project Carbon 12, further information on which can be found in the projects section of this site. Further information on WNO itself can be found at its own site www.wno.org.uk
WNO has a permanent staff of 250 including orchestra, chorus, principal singers, production, technical, WNO MAX and administrative staff. WNO’s Chorus and Orchestra are highly acclaimed by critics and audiences, and their artistic achievement has been recognised by a succession of prestigious awards.
Craig worked with WNO on the 2008 project Carbon 12, further information on which can be found in the projects section of this site. Further information on WNO itself can be found at its own site www.wno.org.uk
Wild Rose Ice Theatre
Craig worked with Wild Rose and composer / sound director Tim A. Duncan on their production of Barnum On Ice.
Craig assisted Tim with the brass arrangements of the score and provided the brass musicians, and directed them, for the production soundtrack and recording
Further information on Wild Rose can be found at their website www.wildroseltd.co.uk
Craig assisted Tim with the brass arrangements of the score and provided the brass musicians, and directed them, for the production soundtrack and recording
Further information on Wild Rose can be found at their website www.wildroseltd.co.uk
World Military Music Festival
The World Military Music Festival in Tripoli, Libya, took place in the Libyan capital of Tripoli in September 2009 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Libyan People’s Arab Jamahiriya. Working alongside Producer Vitaly Mironov, Craig acted as Musical Advisor and Principal Director of Music to the event.
16 nations from 5 continents were represented in the mix of military and civilian performers involved in the show: featured nations including Algeria; Australia; Austria; Egypt; France; Italy; Kenya; Libya; Malta; Mexico; New Zealand; Pakistan; Russia; Senegal; Tunisia; and the UK.The cast, numbering in excess of 1000 people, was a spectacular combination of military and civilian bands, medieval flagwavers (Sbandieratori Italia) and dancers (Waza Afrika Kenyan Dancers; Russian State Ballet Company and Nalmes State Academic Dance Company).
The Festival proved to be a great coming together of different peoples from different nations, with an air of friendliness and unfettered cooperation from all parties pervading throughout the rehearsal and performance process. Lasting friendships were made as a result of the event and a superb impression of each nation involved was left with all performers, production staff, and even more so with the audiences of thousands that were present at the performances and dress rehearsals.
Further information on the event can be found in the projects section of this site
16 nations from 5 continents were represented in the mix of military and civilian performers involved in the show: featured nations including Algeria; Australia; Austria; Egypt; France; Italy; Kenya; Libya; Malta; Mexico; New Zealand; Pakistan; Russia; Senegal; Tunisia; and the UK.The cast, numbering in excess of 1000 people, was a spectacular combination of military and civilian bands, medieval flagwavers (Sbandieratori Italia) and dancers (Waza Afrika Kenyan Dancers; Russian State Ballet Company and Nalmes State Academic Dance Company).
The Festival proved to be a great coming together of different peoples from different nations, with an air of friendliness and unfettered cooperation from all parties pervading throughout the rehearsal and performance process. Lasting friendships were made as a result of the event and a superb impression of each nation involved was left with all performers, production staff, and even more so with the audiences of thousands that were present at the performances and dress rehearsals.
Further information on the event can be found in the projects section of this site