Cory band are on top of the world!
CORY Band from the Rhondda have created the ultimate Grand Slam by winning the 2016 British Open Brass Band Championships at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on September 10.
They created history by adding this Open Title to their other winning achievements of Champions of Great Britain, Champions of Europe and Champions of Brass In Concert.
Two bands, Black Dyke and The Fairey Band, had previously held three of these major titles at the same time, but Cory are the first band ever to hold all four titles at one time.
What an incredible achievement and this just confirms the sheer professionalism of these amateur players as their record will once again ensure that they will continue to be ranked as the best band in the world, which they have been for the last nine years. In rugby terms even the All Blacks cannot match such an achievement.
Their performance at the British Open contest was outstanding and they were awarded Best Euphonium player, Glyn Williams, the Best Flugel Horn Helen Williams, and the Best Soprano Cornet Steve Stewart. The band received a standing ovation and tumultuous applause from a most appreciative and knowledgeable audience.
Comments from the three judges just about say it all about the standard of musicianship being achieved by the Cory band.
Michael Ball said: “I would travel many miles to hear playing of this calibre of collegial musicianship – thank you so much”.
Allan Withington was similarly overwhelmed, “Actually I don’t write anymore. Just want to listen.”
Rob Wiffin said: “Awesome! How did you do that?”
These comments from top musicians really do make you feel that they had been listening to something really special.
Recently Goodwick Brass Band from Fish- guard, Pembrokeshire, was deservedly given a Civic Reception in recognition of their success in the band world and their education work in the community.
The achievements of Cory Band are certainly the equal of Goodwick with their titles of World, European and British Champions and their work with youngsters in the Cory Academy which should certainly nudge their local community leaders into doing something in order to recognise the fact that Cory have put Rhondda Cynon Taff firmly in the centre of the world map of music.
Cory had a successful tour of the USA earlier this year and one can see how much they are in demand by looking at their latest concert engagements:
Septemeber 22 – Abertillery
Septemeber 24 – Dungannon, Ireland October 1 – Wiltshire October 15 – Sauerland, Herbst, Germany
October 29 – RWCM&D, Cardiff, with Treorchy Male Voice Choir
November 5 – Carmarthan
Of course in the middle of these engagements, on Saturday 8th October, they will be defending their 2015 British Champions Title. It begs the question – when do they have time to rehearse?
Two other Welsh bands will be there at the Albert Hall, London competing for the title of Champions of Great Britain, namely Tredegar and Tongwynlais Temperance.
We wish them all every success.