Brass and brotherly love
TALENTED young musicians will take centre stage at the opening concert of a top music festival.
The National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) will perform at the North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral on Saturday, September 16, under the baton of conductor Ian Porthouse.
The festival, which continues until Saturday, September 30, has established itself as one of the highlights of the cultural calendar in the UK.
It is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, Tŷ Cerdd and the Colwinston Charitable Trust.
Among the other stars of the festival will be singers from Welsh National Opera with the festival community chorus, flamboyant Italian pianist Federico Colli, vocal group VOCES8, baroque instrumentalists Red Priest, composer Robat Arwyn, tenor Rhys Meirion, orchestra in residence NEW Sinfonia, Ensemble Cymru, violinist Ye-Eun Choi and the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet.
Caernarfon euphonium player Glyn Porter, 12, will join his elder brother William, 18, who plays the tuba, as a member of the NYBBW for the concert at St Asaph.
Their proud mum, Carys, says it’s William’s third year as a member of the NYBBW while it’s Glyn’s first.
She said: “Glyn went for the auditions in November last year and was quite nervous. We were delighted when they were both selected for the week’s Monmouth course and the concert at Porthcawl was amazing.
“It was quite difficult as William had an interview with the army during the course so I had to take him out and across the country. He has been accepted and will start as a bandsman in October, which is amazing for him.
“It’s a major achievement for Glyn to get in the NYBBW. You have to be a minimum of 12 and the standard of young people who applied was exceptional. It’s a huge boost for his confidence.”
She added: “It’s just amazing the standard these young musicians produce and I’d recommend getting a ticket and going along for a wonderful evening of music.”