News
The Lord of the Rings
May 2024 saw the unveiling of Lewis Merthyr Band's 2024 | 25 project "The Lord of the Rings, celebrating the 70th anniversary J. R. R. Tolkien's literary masterpiece
The Lord of the Rings was first published in three volumes between July 1954 to October 1955, and throughout 2024-25 Lewis Merthyr Band marks this literary landmark in music through a series of performances of works inspired by or linked to Tolkien's pioneering tome
The first of the performances took place in South Wales in May, firstly at the Brecon Medieval Festival at Brecon Cathedral on Sunday May 5th at 7:30pm, and then at the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 18th
Repertoire featured in the performances included Gandalf and Hobbits from Johan De Meij's epic Lord of the Rings Symphony, a range of music from all three Lord of the Rings movie scores by Howard Shore, and Edward Gregson's An Age of Kings
The performances were incredibly well received and were then followed by additional performances at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the internationally televised performances from which can be found below
The performance was then repeated at Bristol Cathedral in September, and will be followed in Rhondda Cynon Taf's twin town of Ravensburg, Germany in April 2025
Additional information and tickets for these performances are available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
The Lord of the Rings was first published in three volumes between July 1954 to October 1955, and throughout 2024-25 Lewis Merthyr Band marks this literary landmark in music through a series of performances of works inspired by or linked to Tolkien's pioneering tome
The first of the performances took place in South Wales in May, firstly at the Brecon Medieval Festival at Brecon Cathedral on Sunday May 5th at 7:30pm, and then at the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 18th
Repertoire featured in the performances included Gandalf and Hobbits from Johan De Meij's epic Lord of the Rings Symphony, a range of music from all three Lord of the Rings movie scores by Howard Shore, and Edward Gregson's An Age of Kings
The performances were incredibly well received and were then followed by additional performances at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the internationally televised performances from which can be found below
The performance was then repeated at Bristol Cathedral in September, and will be followed in Rhondda Cynon Taf's twin town of Ravensburg, Germany in April 2025
Additional information and tickets for these performances are available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brecon Cathedral and Medieval Festival
The band had a tremendous time giving the first performance of our Lord of the Rings project at Brecon Cathedral and Brecon Medieval Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend. The programme of music from all three Lord of the Rings movie soundtracks, additional music from The Hobbit, plus LOTR inspired music from Johan De Meij, Edward Gregson and more was incredibly well received by the enthusiastic audience in attendance
Our thanks go out to all our members and friends who performed, to all who supported and attended, and to the organisers and Cathedral for a tremendous welcome and festival
The band now look forward to our next LOTR performance, in massed bands together with City of Bristol Band, at the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 18th
Full information and tickets for the event are available at www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
Our thanks go out to all our members and friends who performed, to all who supported and attended, and to the organisers and Cathedral for a tremendous welcome and festival
The band now look forward to our next LOTR performance, in massed bands together with City of Bristol Band, at the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 18th
Full information and tickets for the event are available at www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
Atgofion Aberfan
On Thursday April 11th 2024, Lewis Merthyr Band collaborated with Avant Cymru theatre company on "Atgofion Aberfan". The performance featured the dramatisation "Hiraeth" by Sue Bevan, performed by members of Avant, plus two works dedicated to Aberfan, performed by Lewis Merthyr Band - Christopher Wood's "Aberfan" and Gareth Trott's "Aberfan Requiem"
"Hiraeth" is the incredibly poignant real-life story of playwright Sue Bevan. Sue was a ten year old volunteer at the Aberfan tragedy. Inspired by Sue's story, Avant reached out to the community. They heard in Tylorstown how recent landslides had affected people's lives; they heard from survivors of Aberfan about how they were told "not to talk about" the tragedy; grieving families who were encouraged not to speak, and not to share what they had experienced and saw... Avant have explored how the disaster has shaped the lives of our community and, alongside Sue Bevan's incredible story, through this production, Avant spoke further, sharing what they had, and what members of the community now want to be shared. "The Silent Volunteer" is a play about the voices that haven't yet found the words to speak, but who want the world to know the Aberfan disaster was not “an act of God”
Christopher Wood's "Aberfan" and Gareth Trott's "Aberfan Requiem" were commissioned and premiered by Lewis Merthyr Band. In 2018, the band worked together with Owain Arwel Hughes CBE and Christopher to undertake the first performance and recording on brass of Aberfan. Originally written for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the work was first premiered by the RPO at the Welsh Proms in 2017, the performance of which was then subsequently broadcast on Classic FM. In Spring 2018, the work was then arranged for brass band and featured on Lewis Merthyr's Brass & Voices of Wales disc, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The brass version then received its premiere performance at the 2018 Welsh Proms in the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff, performed by the massed bands of Lewis-Merthyr & RAF St Athan, and again conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE
Gareth Trott's "Aberfan Requiem" is an incredibly poignant work which received a standing ovation at its premiere performance by Lewis Merthyr Band at the prestigious Oriana Festival, hosted at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley in October 2023. This incredibly powerful work was reprised in the same setting, especially for the Atgofion Aberfan production. The live performance of the work from the event, filmed by St Elvan's and Gavin Owen Media, is available to view below, as is the studio recording Christopher Wood's Aberfan laid over imagery from Aberfan, compiled by Lewis Merthyr Band
"Hiraeth" is the incredibly poignant real-life story of playwright Sue Bevan. Sue was a ten year old volunteer at the Aberfan tragedy. Inspired by Sue's story, Avant reached out to the community. They heard in Tylorstown how recent landslides had affected people's lives; they heard from survivors of Aberfan about how they were told "not to talk about" the tragedy; grieving families who were encouraged not to speak, and not to share what they had experienced and saw... Avant have explored how the disaster has shaped the lives of our community and, alongside Sue Bevan's incredible story, through this production, Avant spoke further, sharing what they had, and what members of the community now want to be shared. "The Silent Volunteer" is a play about the voices that haven't yet found the words to speak, but who want the world to know the Aberfan disaster was not “an act of God”
Christopher Wood's "Aberfan" and Gareth Trott's "Aberfan Requiem" were commissioned and premiered by Lewis Merthyr Band. In 2018, the band worked together with Owain Arwel Hughes CBE and Christopher to undertake the first performance and recording on brass of Aberfan. Originally written for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the work was first premiered by the RPO at the Welsh Proms in 2017, the performance of which was then subsequently broadcast on Classic FM. In Spring 2018, the work was then arranged for brass band and featured on Lewis Merthyr's Brass & Voices of Wales disc, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The brass version then received its premiere performance at the 2018 Welsh Proms in the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff, performed by the massed bands of Lewis-Merthyr & RAF St Athan, and again conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE
Gareth Trott's "Aberfan Requiem" is an incredibly poignant work which received a standing ovation at its premiere performance by Lewis Merthyr Band at the prestigious Oriana Festival, hosted at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley in October 2023. This incredibly powerful work was reprised in the same setting, especially for the Atgofion Aberfan production. The live performance of the work from the event, filmed by St Elvan's and Gavin Owen Media, is available to view below, as is the studio recording Christopher Wood's Aberfan laid over imagery from Aberfan, compiled by Lewis Merthyr Band
Regional Championships Workshop
On Saturday February 24th, Lewis Merthyr participated in a regional championships workshop at Oatley Hall, St Monica's Trust, working together with City of Bristol Brass Band with renowned conductor and adjudicator David Hirst, on the 2024 Regional Championships set work, Eric Ball's "High Peak"
David has an incredible pedigree. He began his musical career at the age of ten with his local village band playing cornet. He made rapid progress, and, at the age of fourteen was accepted into the Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band on the solo cornet bench. Two years later David joined the Black Dyke Mills Band on Soprano Cornet, where he had four successful years including wins at the British Open, National and World Championships
In 1972 David began studying music at the University of Huddersfield, being taught by the great trumpet soloist Maurice Murphy. A growing interest in orchestral and big band playing then led him to being one of the early members of the James Shepherd Versatile Brass
In 1978 David rejoined the Black Dyke Mills Band on Soprano cornet enjoying further contest success. By the mid ‘70s he was conducting various bands before being appointed in 1980 as the Musical Director of the Andrews Heat for Hire Band. After five successful years he then took over as Musical Director at Lewington Yamaha Band, followed by two years as the Resident Conductor at Black Dyke, conducting the band during their historic tour of Australia in 1988
In 1990 David returned to the Yorkshire Imperial Band conducting them at the British Open, All England Masters and as prize-winners at the “Brass in Concert” competition over three successive years. In 1994 David was invited to join the ‘World Famous’ Brighouse & Rastrick Band as Resident Musical Director, relinquishing this position in 2005 after 11 years. During this period the Band were National Champions (1997 and 1998), European Champions (1998) and All England Masters Champions (1997 and 2001) in addition to Yorkshire Area Champions (1995, 1997 and 2003). Since leaving B&R David has been guest conductor with Grimethorpe, Faireys and Fodens, and more
Both Lewis Merthyr and City of Bristol thoroughly enjoyed working with David and found his advice and insight invaluable. The bands now look forward to their performances at the West of England and Welsh Regional Championships at the Riviera Centre, Torquay and Brangwyn Hall, Swansea later this month
Our thanks go to David for all his hard work and tremendous advice, and to City of Bristol Brass Band for hosting and organising the workshop. At the championships which followed, Lewis Merthyr were placed sixth in the Welsh Regional Championships while City of Bristol were successful in being placed first, becoming the 2024 West of England First Section Champions. The congratulations of all of us at Lewis Merthyr go out to City of Bristol and we look forward to welcoming COBBB to Wales for a joint performance at the 2024 Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 18th For further information and tickets, visit www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
David has an incredible pedigree. He began his musical career at the age of ten with his local village band playing cornet. He made rapid progress, and, at the age of fourteen was accepted into the Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band on the solo cornet bench. Two years later David joined the Black Dyke Mills Band on Soprano Cornet, where he had four successful years including wins at the British Open, National and World Championships
In 1972 David began studying music at the University of Huddersfield, being taught by the great trumpet soloist Maurice Murphy. A growing interest in orchestral and big band playing then led him to being one of the early members of the James Shepherd Versatile Brass
In 1978 David rejoined the Black Dyke Mills Band on Soprano cornet enjoying further contest success. By the mid ‘70s he was conducting various bands before being appointed in 1980 as the Musical Director of the Andrews Heat for Hire Band. After five successful years he then took over as Musical Director at Lewington Yamaha Band, followed by two years as the Resident Conductor at Black Dyke, conducting the band during their historic tour of Australia in 1988
In 1990 David returned to the Yorkshire Imperial Band conducting them at the British Open, All England Masters and as prize-winners at the “Brass in Concert” competition over three successive years. In 1994 David was invited to join the ‘World Famous’ Brighouse & Rastrick Band as Resident Musical Director, relinquishing this position in 2005 after 11 years. During this period the Band were National Champions (1997 and 1998), European Champions (1998) and All England Masters Champions (1997 and 2001) in addition to Yorkshire Area Champions (1995, 1997 and 2003). Since leaving B&R David has been guest conductor with Grimethorpe, Faireys and Fodens, and more
Both Lewis Merthyr and City of Bristol thoroughly enjoyed working with David and found his advice and insight invaluable. The bands now look forward to their performances at the West of England and Welsh Regional Championships at the Riviera Centre, Torquay and Brangwyn Hall, Swansea later this month
Our thanks go to David for all his hard work and tremendous advice, and to City of Bristol Brass Band for hosting and organising the workshop. At the championships which followed, Lewis Merthyr were placed sixth in the Welsh Regional Championships while City of Bristol were successful in being placed first, becoming the 2024 West of England First Section Champions. The congratulations of all of us at Lewis Merthyr go out to City of Bristol and we look forward to welcoming COBBB to Wales for a joint performance at the 2024 Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 18th For further information and tickets, visit www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
Voices From Underground
On Saturday February 17th, Lewis Merthyr Band was delighted to perform for the fantastic Voices From Underground Miners Strikes launch event at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
The magnificent interior of the church was full to capacity and also filled with the glorious sounds of the band, Cwmdare Voices Male Choir and Silverbird acoustic duo, plus impassioned speeches from Beth Winter MP, Sian James MP, representatives of Rhondda Heritage Services, Big Pit National Mining Museum, the mining community and more
Children’s badge and poster making workshops were also held, together with a brilliant open forum discussion and an amazing dolby atmos 360 soundscape by Our Space Ein Lle Ni, who the band will be working with on a recording project later this year
There are already a wealth of additional Miners Strikes events scheduled across the former South Wales coalfield through coming weeks and months. Browse the listing of existing events at www.stelvans.com/voices-from-underground and, if you’d like to add your event, or would like some help organising one, please contact the organisers
Diolch yn fawr iawn Thank you to the organsiers for inviting the band to perform, and to all who journeyed so far to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 | 85 Miners Strikes. Additional events will follow through the rest of the year
www.stelvans.com/voices-from-underground
The magnificent interior of the church was full to capacity and also filled with the glorious sounds of the band, Cwmdare Voices Male Choir and Silverbird acoustic duo, plus impassioned speeches from Beth Winter MP, Sian James MP, representatives of Rhondda Heritage Services, Big Pit National Mining Museum, the mining community and more
Children’s badge and poster making workshops were also held, together with a brilliant open forum discussion and an amazing dolby atmos 360 soundscape by Our Space Ein Lle Ni, who the band will be working with on a recording project later this year
There are already a wealth of additional Miners Strikes events scheduled across the former South Wales coalfield through coming weeks and months. Browse the listing of existing events at www.stelvans.com/voices-from-underground and, if you’d like to add your event, or would like some help organising one, please contact the organisers
Diolch yn fawr iawn Thank you to the organsiers for inviting the band to perform, and to all who journeyed so far to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 | 85 Miners Strikes. Additional events will follow through the rest of the year
www.stelvans.com/voices-from-underground
Another Great Year Ahead!
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda | Happy New Year to all friends and followers of Lewis Merthyr Band. The band enjoyed another incredibly successful year in 2023, and have lots to look forward to in 2024!
The year opens with the band's participation in Voices From Underground, a coalfields wide project running from March 2023 to 2024, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1984 | 85 Miners Strikes. Lewis Merthyr will perform for the launch event on February 17th at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
The band will then return to St Elvan's in May for the prestigious Oriana Festival, where we'll be performing a concert of the music of Gareth Wood, and premiering the composer's final work, which was especially written for Lewis Merthyr - Under Milk Wood - plus performing in massed bands together with City of Bristol Brass Band for our grand scale 2024 | 25 project "The Lord of the Rings"
The Lord of the Rings will also be undertaken at the Medieval Festival at Brecon Cathedral in May. Additional engagements then see the band performing at the Welsh Regional Championships at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea in March; the National Eisteddfod of Wales at Pontypridd in August; the Haggarfest film festival in October; a dolby atmos recording project with Ein Lle Ni; an Aberfan Remembered project with Avant Cymru - and more!
For full details of all the band's 2024 performances, visit the Engagements section of the site here
If you would like to contact the band to discuss engaging Lewis Merthyr for your performance or event, or are interested in joining the band, please contact us here
Here's to another great year ahead!
The year opens with the band's participation in Voices From Underground, a coalfields wide project running from March 2023 to 2024, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1984 | 85 Miners Strikes. Lewis Merthyr will perform for the launch event on February 17th at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
The band will then return to St Elvan's in May for the prestigious Oriana Festival, where we'll be performing a concert of the music of Gareth Wood, and premiering the composer's final work, which was especially written for Lewis Merthyr - Under Milk Wood - plus performing in massed bands together with City of Bristol Brass Band for our grand scale 2024 | 25 project "The Lord of the Rings"
The Lord of the Rings will also be undertaken at the Medieval Festival at Brecon Cathedral in May. Additional engagements then see the band performing at the Welsh Regional Championships at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea in March; the National Eisteddfod of Wales at Pontypridd in August; the Haggarfest film festival in October; a dolby atmos recording project with Ein Lle Ni; an Aberfan Remembered project with Avant Cymru - and more!
For full details of all the band's 2024 performances, visit the Engagements section of the site here
If you would like to contact the band to discuss engaging Lewis Merthyr for your performance or event, or are interested in joining the band, please contact us here
Here's to another great year ahead!
LMB at Christmas
The band enjoyed another highly successful season of festive engagements this Christmas
Together with the return of “The Snowman Live!”, this December also saw our new grand scale Christmas celebration “The Glory of Christmas” in the glorious surroundings of St Elvan's, Aberdare, two sold-out performances of “Carols by Candlelight” at the magnificent Heritage Park Hotel and additional performances at the St David's Centre, Cardiff, Coychurch, Tonyrefail and across RCT
The band would like to thank everyone who attended and supported our Christmas performances and wish all of our members, friends & supporters a very Happy Christmas, a joyous New Year, and every success in 2024
For details of all the band's currently scheduled performances for the year ahead, visit the Engagements section of the website here
Together with the return of “The Snowman Live!”, this December also saw our new grand scale Christmas celebration “The Glory of Christmas” in the glorious surroundings of St Elvan's, Aberdare, two sold-out performances of “Carols by Candlelight” at the magnificent Heritage Park Hotel and additional performances at the St David's Centre, Cardiff, Coychurch, Tonyrefail and across RCT
The band would like to thank everyone who attended and supported our Christmas performances and wish all of our members, friends & supporters a very Happy Christmas, a joyous New Year, and every success in 2024
For details of all the band's currently scheduled performances for the year ahead, visit the Engagements section of the website here
Oriana Festival
Lewis Merthyr Band were delighted to be feature in the 2023 Oriana Festival, a new festival of contemporary Welsh classical music. Supported by the Pen Y Cymoedd Community Fund, and organised by Oriana Publications, this one day festival took place at St Elvan's, Aberdare, Cynon Valley on Saturday October 21st, and featured the music of some of Wales' leading contemporary classical composers and performers
Featured artists of the 2023 festival include former Royal harpist Claire Jones, composer | percussionist Chris Marshall and Lewis Merthyr Band, plus 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!
Full information on the event is available at www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
Featured artists of the 2023 festival include former Royal harpist Claire Jones, composer | percussionist Chris Marshall and Lewis Merthyr Band, plus 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!
Full information on the event is available at www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
Gogledd Cymru
Lewis Merthyr were delighted to pay a return visit to North Wales, performing together with our good friends from the famed Voices of the Valley, the Fron Male Choir, at Llangollen Pavilion, and in the National Eisteddfod of Wales at Boduan, Gwynedd
In both events the band performed a movie themed set, which illustrated the development of music for film through the ages. At the National Eisteddfod, the band opened with music by Alan Silvestri from "Back to the Future", illustrating the musical journey through time, then featured Principal Trombonist Mark Wilkes in Charlie Chaplin's "Smile", before Shostakovich' "Spin Through Moscow from Cheryomushki", Howard Shore's "Misty Mountains Cold" from "The Hobbit", and closed with "The Lone Ranger" by Christopher Painter
The performance was screened and streamed live on S4C television, and an excerpt - the finale from The Lone Ranger - is available to view on BBC iplayer for the next 30 days at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0g2fl61/eisteddfod-genedlaethol-cymru-2023-pnawn-sul-or-steddfod-2 The performance can be found at 2:40:30 into the programme
The concert at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion featured an expanded programme, also featuring music from "Star Wars", "Skyfall", "Beauty & the Beast" and more. The cocnert was extremely well received by the sell-out audience in attendance and the band look forward to performing with our good friends at the Fron again soon, and to performing in the 2024 National Eisteddfod in our home county of Rhondda Cynon Taf next August
In both events the band performed a movie themed set, which illustrated the development of music for film through the ages. At the National Eisteddfod, the band opened with music by Alan Silvestri from "Back to the Future", illustrating the musical journey through time, then featured Principal Trombonist Mark Wilkes in Charlie Chaplin's "Smile", before Shostakovich' "Spin Through Moscow from Cheryomushki", Howard Shore's "Misty Mountains Cold" from "The Hobbit", and closed with "The Lone Ranger" by Christopher Painter
The performance was screened and streamed live on S4C television, and an excerpt - the finale from The Lone Ranger - is available to view on BBC iplayer for the next 30 days at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0g2fl61/eisteddfod-genedlaethol-cymru-2023-pnawn-sul-or-steddfod-2 The performance can be found at 2:40:30 into the programme
The concert at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion featured an expanded programme, also featuring music from "Star Wars", "Skyfall", "Beauty & the Beast" and more. The cocnert was extremely well received by the sell-out audience in attendance and the band look forward to performing with our good friends at the Fron again soon, and to performing in the 2024 National Eisteddfod in our home county of Rhondda Cynon Taf next August
From Washington to Wales!
On Wednesday June 28th, Lewis Merthyr Band were delighted to be welcome the tremendous Tacoma Concert Band of Seattle, Washington, USA to South Wales and perform together with this fantastic ensemble in concert at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
Now in its 42nd season, the Tacoma Concert Band enjoys a sterling regional, national, and international reputation. With over 60 musicians, this award-winning band brings to life a variety of music, from classical to pop, traditional to modern, and has delighted audiences from Ireland to Vienna, Budapest to Madrid and the French Riviera
This June, Tacoma visited the UK and Ireland, and performed together with Lewis Merthyr and the massed Welsh male voice choirs of Cwmdare Voices & Pelenna in concert at the glorious St Elvan's Church, Cynon Valley. The performance proved to be a spectacular evening and a highlight of the group's tour, which also included performances at St James' Park, London and with the famed "floral dance" band, Brighouse & Rastrick
Lewis Merthyr were delighted to meet and perform with Tacoma and hope the two ensembles may work together again some day. The band now look forward to welcoming the Artane Concert Band of Ireland to Wales in November
Now in its 42nd season, the Tacoma Concert Band enjoys a sterling regional, national, and international reputation. With over 60 musicians, this award-winning band brings to life a variety of music, from classical to pop, traditional to modern, and has delighted audiences from Ireland to Vienna, Budapest to Madrid and the French Riviera
This June, Tacoma visited the UK and Ireland, and performed together with Lewis Merthyr and the massed Welsh male voice choirs of Cwmdare Voices & Pelenna in concert at the glorious St Elvan's Church, Cynon Valley. The performance proved to be a spectacular evening and a highlight of the group's tour, which also included performances at St James' Park, London and with the famed "floral dance" band, Brighouse & Rastrick
Lewis Merthyr were delighted to meet and perform with Tacoma and hope the two ensembles may work together again some day. The band now look forward to welcoming the Artane Concert Band of Ireland to Wales in November
A Night at the Movies
The band had a fantastic time performing at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon in “Soundtracks, Stories & Song - A Night at the Movies” on Friday April 14th.
The band performed together with the Paul Shallcross Trio, and offered a series of blockbuster movie soundtracks, including music from Back To The Future, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and more. The band were also delighted to perform Paul Shallcross' own scores to live screenings of three short black & white silent movies by Welsh film pioneer William Haggar
The band enjoyed a fantastic reception and look forward to returning to Theatr Brycheiniog, and to performing additional movie concerts again soon - watch this space!
The band’s next performance will be on Saturday May 20th with the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Aberdare appearing alongside the renowned operatic baritone Jeremy Huw Williams, Chris Marshall - Composer/Percussionist and the celebrated former Royal Harpist to King Charles III, Claire Jones. Truly an event not to be missed! For full information, visit www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
If you are interested in booking the band for “A Night at the Movies” or any of our additional themed concerts for your venue or event, please email us at [email protected]
The band performed together with the Paul Shallcross Trio, and offered a series of blockbuster movie soundtracks, including music from Back To The Future, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and more. The band were also delighted to perform Paul Shallcross' own scores to live screenings of three short black & white silent movies by Welsh film pioneer William Haggar
The band enjoyed a fantastic reception and look forward to returning to Theatr Brycheiniog, and to performing additional movie concerts again soon - watch this space!
The band’s next performance will be on Saturday May 20th with the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Aberdare appearing alongside the renowned operatic baritone Jeremy Huw Williams, Chris Marshall - Composer/Percussionist and the celebrated former Royal Harpist to King Charles III, Claire Jones. Truly an event not to be missed! For full information, visit www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
If you are interested in booking the band for “A Night at the Movies” or any of our additional themed concerts for your venue or event, please email us at [email protected]
A Day In The Life Of A Knight
Above is a live performance by the band of “A Day In The Life Of A Knight" by Phil Lawrence, the set-work for the First Section of the 2023 UK Regional Championships
Lewis Merthyr were placed a creditable 5th in the Welsh Regional Championships following the spirited performance above
For those followers of the band who would like to hear Lewis Merthyr perform the work live, the band will be reprising their performance of this highly descriptive work at the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 20th
Full information and tickets for this very special event are available online from www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
A full programme note for the work is available in the Video section of the band website, together with numerous additional videos of the band in performance, all available to watch free at www.lewismerthyrband.com/video
Lewis Merthyr were placed a creditable 5th in the Welsh Regional Championships following the spirited performance above
For those followers of the band who would like to hear Lewis Merthyr perform the work live, the band will be reprising their performance of this highly descriptive work at the prestigious Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday May 20th
Full information and tickets for this very special event are available online from www.stelvans.com/oriana-festival
A full programme note for the work is available in the Video section of the band website, together with numerous additional videos of the band in performance, all available to watch free at www.lewismerthyrband.com/video
Lone Ranger Premiere at Welsh Open Championships
On Saturday February 18th, the band gave its first public performance of 2023 at the Welsh Open Championships in the Riverfront Theatre, Newport
At the championships, 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 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 our website here
At the championships, 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 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 our website here
LMB 2023
2022 was a tremendous year for Lewis Merthyr Band, and saw the band undertake 29 engagements across Wales and wider, including performances for the televised Women's Six Nations rugby matches at Cardiff Arms Park; fundraising concerts for Motor Neurone Disease and Ukrainian refugees at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre and St Elvan's, Cynon Valley; a very prestigious performance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee at The Scoop, Tower Bridge, London; participation in the World Music Contest at Kerkrade, Netherlands; the commissioning and premiere performances of new works by composers Andrew Powell and Chris Marshall; and a series of performances in our local communities supporting annual events for Remembrance and Christmas, including a series of services & parades, carol performances and concerts in the community and four performances of the classic British animated movie The Snowman
The band now looks forward to another super year ahead in 2023 with engagements planned at the Riverfront, Newport; Brangwyn Hall, Swansea; Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon; the Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley; the National Eisteddfod of Wales at Llŷn ac Eifionydd, North Wales; plus performances with former Royal Harpist Claire Jones and West End percussion soloist Chris Marshall; with the Tacoma Concert Band of Seattle, Washington and Artane Concert Band of Ireland; the premiere of a new major work by renowned composer and former Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Chair Gareth Wood and additional new works from Christopher Painter and Gareth Trott; and an invitation to perform at the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival and Estes Park International Tattoo in Colorado, USA!
Further information and tickets for the band's forthcoming performances are available in the Engagements section of the website here. If you are interested in engaging the band for additional events, or interested in becoming a member of Lewis Merthyr Band, please contact us by email at [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you to a Lewis Merthyr performance or rehearsal soon. Here's to another great year ahead
The band now looks forward to another super year ahead in 2023 with engagements planned at the Riverfront, Newport; Brangwyn Hall, Swansea; Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon; the Oriana Festival at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley; the National Eisteddfod of Wales at Llŷn ac Eifionydd, North Wales; plus performances with former Royal Harpist Claire Jones and West End percussion soloist Chris Marshall; with the Tacoma Concert Band of Seattle, Washington and Artane Concert Band of Ireland; the premiere of a new major work by renowned composer and former Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Chair Gareth Wood and additional new works from Christopher Painter and Gareth Trott; and an invitation to perform at the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival and Estes Park International Tattoo in Colorado, USA!
Further information and tickets for the band's forthcoming performances are available in the Engagements section of the website here. If you are interested in engaging the band for additional events, or interested in becoming a member of Lewis Merthyr Band, please contact us by email at [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you to a Lewis Merthyr performance or rehearsal soon. Here's to another great year ahead
Christmas 2022
December 2022 saw Lewis Merthyr undertake a range of festive projects , including the return of "The Snowman Live", our "Christmas Night at the Movies" and the band undertake our latest recording "The Glory of Christmas" which will be released in December 2023. The festive season also saw the band undertake a series of community carol performances plus our return in support of the annual Christmas service at Coychurch
"The Snowman - Live!" is the band's annual hour long festive performance aimed at families and young audiences. Bringing the classic Christmas movie together with LIVE musical performance, this wondrous production takes place each year in the glorious setting of St Elvan's, Cynon Valley and features the band performing live along to a screening of the beloved British film. "The Snowman - Live!" 2022 featured the full score to Howard Blake's Christmas favourite, plus additional music from Disney's "Frozen", "Santa Claus: The Movie", Slade's "Merry Christmas Everybody", "Jingle Bells" - and more!
Based on it's considerable popularity, the performance will be repeated in December 2023, and full details and tickets will be available from September via www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans Don't miss this magical festive event!
Full details of all the band's 2022 and 2023 Christmas performances are available in the Engagements section of the website here, while details of the band's Christmas recording - available for download and purchase in CD form, and delivered in plenty of time for Christmas 2023! - are available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/the-glory-of-christmas
"The Snowman - Live!" is the band's annual hour long festive performance aimed at families and young audiences. Bringing the classic Christmas movie together with LIVE musical performance, this wondrous production takes place each year in the glorious setting of St Elvan's, Cynon Valley and features the band performing live along to a screening of the beloved British film. "The Snowman - Live!" 2022 featured the full score to Howard Blake's Christmas favourite, plus additional music from Disney's "Frozen", "Santa Claus: The Movie", Slade's "Merry Christmas Everybody", "Jingle Bells" - and more!
Based on it's considerable popularity, the performance will be repeated in December 2023, and full details and tickets will be available from September via www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans Don't miss this magical festive event!
Full details of all the band's 2022 and 2023 Christmas performances are available in the Engagements section of the website here, while details of the band's Christmas recording - available for download and purchase in CD form, and delivered in plenty of time for Christmas 2023! - are available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/the-glory-of-christmas
|
Christmas Concerts 2022 Thursday December 1st - 19:30 A Christmas Night at the Movies Tonyrefail School, Gilfach Rd, Tonyrefail CF39 8HG 19:30 to 21:30 www.ticketsource.co.uk/lewis-merthyr-band/t-zzodkxa December 2nd to 5th Festive Tour Stuttgart and Ravensburg, Germany www.lewismerthyrband.com/tours Sunday December 11th - 14:00 The Snowman Live St Elvan's, Church Street, Aberdare, CF44 7AB www.stelvans.com/events Sunday December 11th - 16:30 The Snowman Live St Elvan's, Church Street, Aberdare, CF44 7AB www.stelvans.com/events Thursday December 15th - 19:00 Christmas Service Coychurch Crematorium, Simonston Rd, Coychurch, Bridgend CF35 6AB Sunday December 18th - 14:00 The Snowman Live St Elvan's, Church Street, Aberdare, CF44 7AB www.stelvans.com/events Sunday December 18th - 16:30 The Snowman Live St Elvan's, Church Street, Aberdare, CF44 7AB www.stelvans.com/events |
Christmas Carolling 2022 Saturday November 26th - 11:00 to 17:00 Christmas Carols Trago Mills, Merthyr Tydfil *Ensemble Engagement* Saturday December 10th - 09:45 to 11:45 Christmas Carols Trago Mills, Merthyr Tydfil *Ensemble Engagement* Saturday December 10th - 09:45 to 11:45 Christmas Carols Trago Mills, Merthyr Tydfil *Ensemble Engagement* Monday December 12th - 18:00 to 21:00 Christmas Carols Asda, Tonypandy *Ensemble Engagement* Friday December 16th - 18:00 to 21:00 Christmas Carols Asda, Coryton *Ensemble Engagement* Saturday December 17th - 11:00 to 17:00 Christmas Carols Trago Mills, Merthyr Tydfil *Ensemble Engagement* Monday December 19th - 18:00 to 21:00 Christmas Carols Asda, Tonypandy *Ensemble Engagement* Wednesday December 21st - 18:00 to 21:00 Christmas Carols Asda, Tonypandy *Ensemble Engagement* |
World Premiere Performance at World Music Contest
The band recently enjoyed a fantastic tour to Europe, representing Wales at the prestigious World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands. After a rehearsal (and socialising) day in Aachen, Germany, the band then travelled on to the Netherlands to give the the world premiere performance of Chris Marshall's "Fulling Mill Lea", together with performances of the set work for the festival, Gilbert Vinter's "Entertainments" and Alan Fernie's "Prismatic Light"
The band thoroughly enjoyed performing and premiering Chris Marshall's "cantata to the Rhondda", written especially for the band to mark the 110th anniversary of the Tonypandy Riots in 2020, and had a fantastic weekend in Kerkrade and Aachen
The premiere performance of Fulling Mill Lea is available to view below. The UK premiere will take place in Spring 2023 at the Oriana Festival in St Elvan's, Cynon Valley. Further information on all performances will be posted to the Engagements area of the website soon
Additional information on Fulling Mill Lea is available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/fulling-mill-lea
The band thoroughly enjoyed performing and premiering Chris Marshall's "cantata to the Rhondda", written especially for the band to mark the 110th anniversary of the Tonypandy Riots in 2020, and had a fantastic weekend in Kerkrade and Aachen
The premiere performance of Fulling Mill Lea is available to view below. The UK premiere will take place in Spring 2023 at the Oriana Festival in St Elvan's, Cynon Valley. Further information on all performances will be posted to the Engagements area of the website soon
Additional information on Fulling Mill Lea is available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/fulling-mill-lea
The band were delighted to perform for the Beacon Lighting ceremony on the Thames Bank, London in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
As the Beacon was lit on the Thames Bank, thousands of other beacons were simultaneously lit across the nation and wider Commonwealth. At all the ceremonies internationally, a new bugle call "Majesty" was performed, together with the newly commissioned pipe tune "Diu Regnare" (Latin for 'Long to reign') and Lucy Kiely's song of tribute "A Life Lived With Grace"
For the Thames performance, the band were delighted to be joined in London by Rhondda born soprano Sophie Gregory who performed "A Live Lived With Grace" together with Lewis Merthyr, while the entire LMB cornet section performed the "Majesty" bugle call together!
The band were delighted to perform in the event and, together with Sophie, to represent Wales and the Rhondda in the nation's capital on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee. Images and video from the day are available on the band's social media channels of Facebook www.facebook.com/lewismerthyrband Twitter www.twitter.com/lmbporth and Instagram www.instagram.com/lewismerthyrband and also in the Media section of the website here
As the Beacon was lit on the Thames Bank, thousands of other beacons were simultaneously lit across the nation and wider Commonwealth. At all the ceremonies internationally, a new bugle call "Majesty" was performed, together with the newly commissioned pipe tune "Diu Regnare" (Latin for 'Long to reign') and Lucy Kiely's song of tribute "A Life Lived With Grace"
For the Thames performance, the band were delighted to be joined in London by Rhondda born soprano Sophie Gregory who performed "A Live Lived With Grace" together with Lewis Merthyr, while the entire LMB cornet section performed the "Majesty" bugle call together!
The band were delighted to perform in the event and, together with Sophie, to represent Wales and the Rhondda in the nation's capital on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee. Images and video from the day are available on the band's social media channels of Facebook www.facebook.com/lewismerthyrband Twitter www.twitter.com/lmbporth and Instagram www.instagram.com/lewismerthyrband and also in the Media section of the website here
Sophie Gregory, soprano
Sophie Gregory is a classically trained soprano and graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she studied under the tutelage of Suzanne Murphy
Throughout her four years of study, Sophie featured in numerous masterclasses, concerts, competitions and opera productions at the RWCMD. Highlights include Sophie being selected to represent the conservatoire in the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Competition; performing on the main stage of the Wales Millennium Centre - the Donald Gordon Theatre – together with the world renowned ballet soloist Carlos Acosta; and being cast as cover lead in RWCMD’s production of Kurt Weill’s “Street Scene”
Sophie also auditioned, and was successful in gaining in a place – alongside only seven other delegates - in the inaugural Glyndebourne Academy, where she studied with and performed for Mary King, Danielle de Niese and Director of Glyndebourne Opera, Stephen Langridge
A versatile and experienced performer, Sophie’s heart has always remained on the concert platform, and she remains a regular soloist for concerts across her homeland of South Wales. Sophie has performed regularly as soloist with the Cambrian Male Choir, Treorchy Male Choir and Pendyrus, the latter of which she recently toured with across Poland
Following the suspension of live performances due to the recent covid-19 global pandemic, Sophie now looks forward to returning to live concerts, and she is delighted that one of her first public performances will be performing for the central performance of the nationwide Beacon Lighting ceremonies, in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at The Scoop, Thames Bank, London
Sophie continues to reside where she was brought up, in South Wales’ Rhondda Valleys, where the rich heritage of singing and performance there proved an inspiration to her during her formative years. She now continues to combine her twin passions of music and working with young people there, inspiring the next generation of young musicians and continuing to perform across her local region and wider
Sophie Gregory is a classically trained soprano and graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she studied under the tutelage of Suzanne Murphy
Throughout her four years of study, Sophie featured in numerous masterclasses, concerts, competitions and opera productions at the RWCMD. Highlights include Sophie being selected to represent the conservatoire in the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Competition; performing on the main stage of the Wales Millennium Centre - the Donald Gordon Theatre – together with the world renowned ballet soloist Carlos Acosta; and being cast as cover lead in RWCMD’s production of Kurt Weill’s “Street Scene”
Sophie also auditioned, and was successful in gaining in a place – alongside only seven other delegates - in the inaugural Glyndebourne Academy, where she studied with and performed for Mary King, Danielle de Niese and Director of Glyndebourne Opera, Stephen Langridge
A versatile and experienced performer, Sophie’s heart has always remained on the concert platform, and she remains a regular soloist for concerts across her homeland of South Wales. Sophie has performed regularly as soloist with the Cambrian Male Choir, Treorchy Male Choir and Pendyrus, the latter of which she recently toured with across Poland
Following the suspension of live performances due to the recent covid-19 global pandemic, Sophie now looks forward to returning to live concerts, and she is delighted that one of her first public performances will be performing for the central performance of the nationwide Beacon Lighting ceremonies, in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at The Scoop, Thames Bank, London
Sophie continues to reside where she was brought up, in South Wales’ Rhondda Valleys, where the rich heritage of singing and performance there proved an inspiration to her during her formative years. She now continues to combine her twin passions of music and working with young people there, inspiring the next generation of young musicians and continuing to perform across her local region and wider
London Bound!
As the nation celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II this week, Lewis Merthyr Band will play a central role in the UK capital
On Thursday June 2nd, following the Trooping of the Colour and Red Arrows Fly Past, London Bridge City will be lighting a Beacon for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as the culmination of an action-packed day of celebration at The Scoop, City Hall on the Thames Bank
The Beacon is one of thousands being lit in the UK and the Commonwealth, and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee Weekend
The ceremony at the Thames Bank will feature performances from the UK's premier Rapper Sword Dance group, The Tower Ravens, a performance by young Scottish piper Thomas Crawley, and - representing Wales - Lewis Merthyr Band
The schedule for the beacon lighting ceremony is as follows:
7.30-9.15pm Performance from Lewis Merthyr Band
9:30pm Performance from Tower Ravens Rapper Dancers
9:35pm Thomas Crawley, piper - ‘Diu Regnare’
9:40pm Bugle call ‘Majesty’ for official lighting of the beacon by Lewis Merthyr cornet section
9:45pm Official lighting of the beacon
9:45pm Lewis Merthyr Band and singers to perform Song for the Commonwealth "A Life Lived With Grace"
Speaking about the performance, Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of The Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Beacons, said:
“Building on a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark significant royal celebrations, thousands of beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth They will enable local communities to join together to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official programme of events.
For the first time, town criers, pipers, buglets and choirs from the UK and the Commonwealth will come together to join in the celebrations in their own individual and special way. It is wonderful to see the range of support for beacon lighting, which will highlight both the diversity and unity of the nation and the Commonwealth. The Queen has lit up our lives for 70 years through her dedicated service and commitment. We would like to light up the nation and the Commonwealth in her honour."
Speaking on behalf of Lewis Merthyr Band, Chairman Robert Smith stated: "The band are delighted to be featuring in this event in the heart of London to celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee and are thoroughly looking forward to the performance and experience"
About the performers
Tower Ravens Rapper
Tower Ravens are an active rapper team based in the City of London. Fresh from their recent victory at the 2022 Dancing England Rapper Tournament, they dance out in London once a month. Led by their wayward Beefeater, they also perform regularly at festivals and events across the country throughout the year.
Rapper sword dance is traditional to the north east of England and combines precise and neat stepping techniques with fast and exciting movements. The dancers use swords, inch wide strips of flexible metal with a handle at each end, and perform various intricate and acrobatic figures.
Thomas Crawley, Bagpipes
Born and raised in Edinburgh for 17 years. Thomas Crawley started playing the bagpipes at the age of 10. Now just 18 year's old, he's already an experienced piper, performing at a wide range of events, including an appearance on Radio 2 playing the Star Wars theme on the pipes for Star Wars day. In May 2021 he performed in a mass pipes and drum for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Catherine, at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh Scotland.
Lewis Merthyr Band
Founded in or before 1855, Lewis Merthyr is the oldest brass band in South Wales' Rhondda Valleys. The band has an illustrious history; performing for royalty (including King George V and Queen Mary, and Edward Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII), and on some of the most prestigious stages, including the Royal Albert Hall, St David's Hall, Wales Millennium Centre and Principality Stadium, Cardiff, plus Gloucester and Llandaff Cathedrals and Llangollen Pavilion. In recent years, the band has featured in the Rugby World Cup, the Roald Dahl Centenary, Women's Six Nations Rugby Internationals, the Welsh Proms, the Internationale Taptoe Belgie and this summer will also represent Wales at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, the Netherlands
All the above events at The Scoop are free to attend - no tickets are required - but please be aware that capacity will be limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis
On Thursday June 2nd, following the Trooping of the Colour and Red Arrows Fly Past, London Bridge City will be lighting a Beacon for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as the culmination of an action-packed day of celebration at The Scoop, City Hall on the Thames Bank
The Beacon is one of thousands being lit in the UK and the Commonwealth, and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee Weekend
The ceremony at the Thames Bank will feature performances from the UK's premier Rapper Sword Dance group, The Tower Ravens, a performance by young Scottish piper Thomas Crawley, and - representing Wales - Lewis Merthyr Band
The schedule for the beacon lighting ceremony is as follows:
7.30-9.15pm Performance from Lewis Merthyr Band
9:30pm Performance from Tower Ravens Rapper Dancers
9:35pm Thomas Crawley, piper - ‘Diu Regnare’
9:40pm Bugle call ‘Majesty’ for official lighting of the beacon by Lewis Merthyr cornet section
9:45pm Official lighting of the beacon
9:45pm Lewis Merthyr Band and singers to perform Song for the Commonwealth "A Life Lived With Grace"
Speaking about the performance, Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of The Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Beacons, said:
“Building on a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark significant royal celebrations, thousands of beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth They will enable local communities to join together to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official programme of events.
For the first time, town criers, pipers, buglets and choirs from the UK and the Commonwealth will come together to join in the celebrations in their own individual and special way. It is wonderful to see the range of support for beacon lighting, which will highlight both the diversity and unity of the nation and the Commonwealth. The Queen has lit up our lives for 70 years through her dedicated service and commitment. We would like to light up the nation and the Commonwealth in her honour."
Speaking on behalf of Lewis Merthyr Band, Chairman Robert Smith stated: "The band are delighted to be featuring in this event in the heart of London to celebrate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee and are thoroughly looking forward to the performance and experience"
About the performers
Tower Ravens Rapper
Tower Ravens are an active rapper team based in the City of London. Fresh from their recent victory at the 2022 Dancing England Rapper Tournament, they dance out in London once a month. Led by their wayward Beefeater, they also perform regularly at festivals and events across the country throughout the year.
Rapper sword dance is traditional to the north east of England and combines precise and neat stepping techniques with fast and exciting movements. The dancers use swords, inch wide strips of flexible metal with a handle at each end, and perform various intricate and acrobatic figures.
Thomas Crawley, Bagpipes
Born and raised in Edinburgh for 17 years. Thomas Crawley started playing the bagpipes at the age of 10. Now just 18 year's old, he's already an experienced piper, performing at a wide range of events, including an appearance on Radio 2 playing the Star Wars theme on the pipes for Star Wars day. In May 2021 he performed in a mass pipes and drum for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Catherine, at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh Scotland.
Lewis Merthyr Band
Founded in or before 1855, Lewis Merthyr is the oldest brass band in South Wales' Rhondda Valleys. The band has an illustrious history; performing for royalty (including King George V and Queen Mary, and Edward Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII), and on some of the most prestigious stages, including the Royal Albert Hall, St David's Hall, Wales Millennium Centre and Principality Stadium, Cardiff, plus Gloucester and Llandaff Cathedrals and Llangollen Pavilion. In recent years, the band has featured in the Rugby World Cup, the Roald Dahl Centenary, Women's Six Nations Rugby Internationals, the Welsh Proms, the Internationale Taptoe Belgie and this summer will also represent Wales at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, the Netherlands
All the above events at The Scoop are free to attend - no tickets are required - but please be aware that capacity will be limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis
LMB at WMC
On Sunday May 8th, Lewis Merthyr Band will feature in a tremendous afternoon of brass music, celebrating the life and achievements of former Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Trumpet and Lewis Merthyr Principal Cornet Rhys Owens
Rhys sadly passed away recently with Motor Neurone Disease. In tribute, his former bands of Lewis Merthyr and BTM, will join together in concert with colleagues of BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Welsh National Opera symphonic brass for an afternoon celebration in brass at BBC Hoddinott Hall
Tickets for the performance are priced at £15 with £5 concessionary tickets available for students and those under 25 years of age
Tickets can be purchase from the Box Office of St David's Hall in person, on 02920 878 444 or online at
tickets.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk and search for "Rhys Owens Fundraising Concert"
All proceeds from the performance will be donated to Motor Neurone Disease Cymru. Anyone who is unable to attend but would like to donate to the charity, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ride4rhys
Diolch yn fawr Rhys - Thank you for the music and your artistry
Rhys sadly passed away recently with Motor Neurone Disease. In tribute, his former bands of Lewis Merthyr and BTM, will join together in concert with colleagues of BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Welsh National Opera symphonic brass for an afternoon celebration in brass at BBC Hoddinott Hall
Tickets for the performance are priced at £15 with £5 concessionary tickets available for students and those under 25 years of age
Tickets can be purchase from the Box Office of St David's Hall in person, on 02920 878 444 or online at
tickets.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk and search for "Rhys Owens Fundraising Concert"
All proceeds from the performance will be donated to Motor Neurone Disease Cymru. Anyone who is unable to attend but would like to donate to the charity, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ride4rhys
Diolch yn fawr Rhys - Thank you for the music and your artistry
Eastern Horizons Revealed!
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)
Lewis Merthyr are indebted to Gareth for this tremendous composition and look forward to working with him on additional future projects soon
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)
Lewis Merthyr are indebted to Gareth for this tremendous composition and look forward to working with him on additional future projects soon
New Year - New Horizons
Following a challenging two year for all, Lewis Merthyr now look forward to resuming full rehearsal and performance activities in 2022. Already scheduled, the band have concert performances planned at Wales Millennium Centre and St Elvan's, Cynon Valley, plus competitive performances at The Riverfront, Newport; Brangwyn Hall, Swansea and the World Music Contest at Kerkrade, the Netherlands. Full information on all forthcoming events is available at www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
To contact the band to discuss your own event, email us at [email protected]
To contact the band to discuss your own event, email us at [email protected]
Christmas 2021 - The Snowman Live!
Throughout December, Lewis Merthyr Band featured a series of performances across Rhondda Cynon Taf and wider, including three performances of the beloved Christmas classic "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
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
Return to the Recording Studio
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
Brass Band World - Centre Band Feature
The band are delighted to be featured as the Centre Band in this month’s edition of the popular Brass Band World Magazine
Alongside features on leading international brass stars Louis Dowdeswell, Septura Brass Ensemble, David Childs, Steven Mead, Geoffrey Brand and more, the feature on Lewis Merthyr includes information on our new rehearsal base at Trehafod Community Village Hall, plus our series of recent collaborations with a range of high profile composers and resultant commissions from the same
Full details of the feature are available at
www.brassbandworld.co.uk
Information on the series of new works recently commissioned by and for the band is available in the Commissions section of the website here
Alongside features on leading international brass stars Louis Dowdeswell, Septura Brass Ensemble, David Childs, Steven Mead, Geoffrey Brand and more, the feature on Lewis Merthyr includes information on our new rehearsal base at Trehafod Community Village Hall, plus our series of recent collaborations with a range of high profile composers and resultant commissions from the same
Full details of the feature are available at
www.brassbandworld.co.uk
Information on the series of new works recently commissioned by and for the band is available in the Commissions section of the website here
National Volunteers' Week - The Big Lunch
Between June 1 to 7, the UK will celebrate National Volunteers' Week
Volunteers Week takes place every year and is a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities, and for us to say thank you. The week is supported and celebrated by small grassroots organisations as well as larger, household-name charities, who together run hundreds of activities across the UK, which showcase and celebrate volunteers and the contribution volunteering makes in our communities
Lewis Merthyr Band will be celebrating our own volunteer members, who set aside hours and hours to individually prepare, then collectively rehearse and perform music to audiences across South Wales and wider, as the band has done since at least 1855
Supported by Interlink, the band will be marking National Volunteers' Week with a Big Lunch at our new rehearsal base of Trehafod Village Community Hall for our members and volunteers of the Hall. In line with current Welsh Government guidance, the event will be limited to 30 persons and observe social distancing and additional covid safety guidelines throughout
A huge thank you goes out from us to all our members for all their hard work in attempting to support and entertain the community throughout the past year, and to the voluntary staff of Trehafod Village Community Hall for welcoming the band to the Hall. We look forward to a long and lasting partnership, and to welcoming the local community to Lewis Merthyr Band events at the Hall, as soon as we are able to do so
For further information on the band's new rehearsal space and Trehafod Community Village Hall, click here
Volunteers Week takes place every year and is a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities, and for us to say thank you. The week is supported and celebrated by small grassroots organisations as well as larger, household-name charities, who together run hundreds of activities across the UK, which showcase and celebrate volunteers and the contribution volunteering makes in our communities
Lewis Merthyr Band will be celebrating our own volunteer members, who set aside hours and hours to individually prepare, then collectively rehearse and perform music to audiences across South Wales and wider, as the band has done since at least 1855
Supported by Interlink, the band will be marking National Volunteers' Week with a Big Lunch at our new rehearsal base of Trehafod Village Community Hall for our members and volunteers of the Hall. In line with current Welsh Government guidance, the event will be limited to 30 persons and observe social distancing and additional covid safety guidelines throughout
A huge thank you goes out from us to all our members for all their hard work in attempting to support and entertain the community throughout the past year, and to the voluntary staff of Trehafod Village Community Hall for welcoming the band to the Hall. We look forward to a long and lasting partnership, and to welcoming the local community to Lewis Merthyr Band events at the Hall, as soon as we are able to do so
For further information on the band's new rehearsal space and Trehafod Community Village Hall, click here
Latest Brass Band Notes Feature
As bands and ensembles across the UK now return to rehearsals following a year long hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic, Lewis Merthyr features 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
Additional Support, Rum & Laverbread for LMB!
Lewis Merthyr are delighted to announce that the band have been successful in securing support from Ty Cerdd, Welsh Government and the National Lottery for a new commission from the highly respected Welsh composer Gareth Wood.
Born in Cilfynydd, Pontypridd, Gareth studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London and joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as a double bass player in 1972. He later became the RPO's Chair. Gareth has written extensively for brass bands, wind bands and orchestras.
His noted brass band works include "Salome", "Brass Triumphant" and more, while his fanfares include those written for HM The Queen, the opening of both the Senedd, Cardiff Bay and the Kravis Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Gareth's youth projects are numerous and include the narration piece "Sea Dogs". Originally scored for symphonic brass, the work was transcribed for brass band instrumentation in 2012, and premiered by an ensemble from the Cory Band at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff. Gareth has also written many pieces for multiple harps, multiple double basses, as well as three concertos and three sonatas for double bass. His "Songs of Wales" have been performed at the Last Night of the Welsh Proms very year for more than 25 years.
Lewis Merthyr are delighted to be working with Gareth, and look forward to his new work "Rum & Laverbread" based on scenes from Under Milk Wood soon. The band are indebted to Ty Cerdd, the Arts Council of Wales and National Lottery for their support of this commission, together with additional funding supporting the band's rehearsal venue hire costs for the months ahead
Born in Cilfynydd, Pontypridd, Gareth studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London and joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as a double bass player in 1972. He later became the RPO's Chair. Gareth has written extensively for brass bands, wind bands and orchestras.
His noted brass band works include "Salome", "Brass Triumphant" and more, while his fanfares include those written for HM The Queen, the opening of both the Senedd, Cardiff Bay and the Kravis Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Gareth's youth projects are numerous and include the narration piece "Sea Dogs". Originally scored for symphonic brass, the work was transcribed for brass band instrumentation in 2012, and premiered by an ensemble from the Cory Band at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff. Gareth has also written many pieces for multiple harps, multiple double basses, as well as three concertos and three sonatas for double bass. His "Songs of Wales" have been performed at the Last Night of the Welsh Proms very year for more than 25 years.
Lewis Merthyr are delighted to be working with Gareth, and look forward to his new work "Rum & Laverbread" based on scenes from Under Milk Wood soon. The band are indebted to Ty Cerdd, the Arts Council of Wales and National Lottery for their support of this commission, together with additional funding supporting the band's rehearsal venue hire costs for the months ahead
|
|
|
|
New Year - New Directions
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda | Happy New Year to all our members, friends and followers. After a challenging year for everybody in 2020, the band looks forward to a better year ahead for everyone in 2021. For our own part, we'll be resuming rehearsals as soon as it is safe to do so at our new rehearsal base of Trehafod Community Village Hall
We're also thoroughly looking forward to exploring an array of new music, much of which that has been composed especially for the band through the latter half of 2020, as part of our Arts Council of Wales supported "New Directions" project. The newly commissioned works will be Steve Bingham's "Ascension", Chris Marshall's "Homecoming", Andrew Powell's "The Curious Case of The Wolf & The Hawk", Christopher Painter's transcription of the "Mountain Scene" from Grace Williams' score to "The Blue Scar", and Gareth Trott's "Eastern Horizons", all commissioned with funds provided by the Arts Council of Wales.
The band will also be exploring some rarely performed repertoire in Dr. Mick Wilson's "Concerto for Six String Electric Violin & Brass Band", Stephen Roberts' "World Dances" for brass band and world percussion, and Gareth Wood's "Concerto for Harp & Brass Band", which the band will perform together with former Royal harpist and Clogau Gold ambassador Claire Jones.
In addition to these seven works, the band will also be exploring a major new piece, again written especially for Lewis Merthyr by Chris Marshall, entitled "Fulling Mill Lea". Centred around the story of the Tonypandy Riots, the work will be premiered by the band as part of the 2021 Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT) The work will also feature world percussion instruments alongside the band, which the band also look forward to exploring soon under the guidance of Mr Ron McCauley of Community Music Wales.
Further information on all of the above, together with recorded excerpts from a number of the works, will be placed here and on our social media accounts over the coming weeks. Be sure to follow the band on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for regular updates on our activities.
We look forward to resuming live performance as soon as it is safe and permissible to do so, and to seeing you all at a Lewis Merthyr performance again soon.
If you would like to engage the band for your concert or event, from summer 2021 onwards, please contact us here
Here's too a much more positive year ahead for all. Stay safe and stay well everybody - we'll see you all soon!
We're also thoroughly looking forward to exploring an array of new music, much of which that has been composed especially for the band through the latter half of 2020, as part of our Arts Council of Wales supported "New Directions" project. The newly commissioned works will be Steve Bingham's "Ascension", Chris Marshall's "Homecoming", Andrew Powell's "The Curious Case of The Wolf & The Hawk", Christopher Painter's transcription of the "Mountain Scene" from Grace Williams' score to "The Blue Scar", and Gareth Trott's "Eastern Horizons", all commissioned with funds provided by the Arts Council of Wales.
The band will also be exploring some rarely performed repertoire in Dr. Mick Wilson's "Concerto for Six String Electric Violin & Brass Band", Stephen Roberts' "World Dances" for brass band and world percussion, and Gareth Wood's "Concerto for Harp & Brass Band", which the band will perform together with former Royal harpist and Clogau Gold ambassador Claire Jones.
In addition to these seven works, the band will also be exploring a major new piece, again written especially for Lewis Merthyr by Chris Marshall, entitled "Fulling Mill Lea". Centred around the story of the Tonypandy Riots, the work will be premiered by the band as part of the 2021 Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT) The work will also feature world percussion instruments alongside the band, which the band also look forward to exploring soon under the guidance of Mr Ron McCauley of Community Music Wales.
Further information on all of the above, together with recorded excerpts from a number of the works, will be placed here and on our social media accounts over the coming weeks. Be sure to follow the band on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for regular updates on our activities.
We look forward to resuming live performance as soon as it is safe and permissible to do so, and to seeing you all at a Lewis Merthyr performance again soon.
If you would like to engage the band for your concert or event, from summer 2021 onwards, please contact us here
Here's too a much more positive year ahead for all. Stay safe and stay well everybody - we'll see you all soon!
Diolch | Thank You “Mr Lewis Merthyr” Paul Williams
At the band's recent online Annual General Meeting, Lewis Merthyr Chair and Committee Member Mr Paul Williams stepped down from the band's management team after fifty years of tremendous service to the organisation.
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 Band Secretary Samantha Bridger.
Paul will remain a 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 full 2021 management team can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/personnel
With a number of new music and concert projects to work on in the months ahead, and new rehearsal premises also, the band look forward to a great year in 2021
After the most challenging of years, here’s wishing all our members, friends and followers a very Happy New Year throughout 2021
A later newspaper feature from Celtic Newspapers and David Francis' "Brass Band Notes" column on Paul and the 85th birthday of fellow LMB Trustee Ivor England is included below
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 Band Secretary Samantha Bridger.
Paul will remain a 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 full 2021 management team can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/personnel
With a number of new music and concert projects to work on in the months ahead, and new rehearsal premises also, the band look forward to a great year in 2021
After the most challenging of years, here’s wishing all our members, friends and followers a very Happy New Year throughout 2021
A later newspaper feature from Celtic Newspapers and David Francis' "Brass Band Notes" column on Paul and the 85th birthday of fellow LMB Trustee Ivor England is included below
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
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
New Bandroom!
|
|
The band are delighted to reveal our new rehearsal base of Trehafod Village Community Hall.
The Hall is located on Ifor Street, Trehafod, just a two minute drive from the Welsh Mining Experience - Rhondda Heritage Park and a five minute drive from the band's library and exhibition space in Cymmer
Trehafod grew around the Lewis Merthyr Colliery itself and it the village where one of the two additional antecedent bands of Lewis Merthyr - the Hafod Rechabite Band - was formed
Accessed via a small gated courtyard, via the entrance adjacent to the small village green, the building features a series of rooms including a small administrative office, a lesser hall, main hall, fitted kitchen, second "tuck shop" kitchen, plus male, female and disabled toilets
The band will take up residence, resuming brass ensemble rehearsals (in line with current Welsh Government guidance) from Monday November 23rd on. We look forward to working with other local groups, including the local primary school, Royal British Legion, Senior Citizens group and more at the Hall through the coming months and years, and to once again being active contributors to the community of Trehafod for many years to come.
Draft plans (subject to the ongoing coronavirus situation) include St David's Day and Christmas 2021 concerts together with the local primary school; VE Day and Remembrance events with the British Legion; plus an open invitation to pre-contest open rehearsals for the local senior citizens group, and wider community.
Further plans will be posted here in due course, as will updates on the redevelopment our Cymmer Bandroom, which will remain the band's library, and be further developed as an exhibition space and meeting rooms
For further information and images of the new bandroom, plus directions to the Hall itself and adjacent car park, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-bandroom
The Hall is located on Ifor Street, Trehafod, just a two minute drive from the Welsh Mining Experience - Rhondda Heritage Park and a five minute drive from the band's library and exhibition space in Cymmer
Trehafod grew around the Lewis Merthyr Colliery itself and it the village where one of the two additional antecedent bands of Lewis Merthyr - the Hafod Rechabite Band - was formed
Accessed via a small gated courtyard, via the entrance adjacent to the small village green, the building features a series of rooms including a small administrative office, a lesser hall, main hall, fitted kitchen, second "tuck shop" kitchen, plus male, female and disabled toilets
The band will take up residence, resuming brass ensemble rehearsals (in line with current Welsh Government guidance) from Monday November 23rd on. We look forward to working with other local groups, including the local primary school, Royal British Legion, Senior Citizens group and more at the Hall through the coming months and years, and to once again being active contributors to the community of Trehafod for many years to come.
Draft plans (subject to the ongoing coronavirus situation) include St David's Day and Christmas 2021 concerts together with the local primary school; VE Day and Remembrance events with the British Legion; plus an open invitation to pre-contest open rehearsals for the local senior citizens group, and wider community.
Further plans will be posted here in due course, as will updates on the redevelopment our Cymmer Bandroom, which will remain the band's library, and be further developed as an exhibition space and meeting rooms
For further information and images of the new bandroom, plus directions to the Hall itself and adjacent car park, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-bandroom
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 and contest successes of Lewis Merthyr Band.
Additional articles on other aspects of the band's activities will follow over the coming weeks. Further information on the history of Lewis Merthyr is available in the About and History sections of this site
Any information on the history of the bands or collieries not yet published on the sites is always welcome. Please contact us here
-----
“A Damn Fine Band” said HRH Edward, then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VIII, 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 this 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 Bands, visit the About and History sections of this site. Any information on the history of the bands or collieries not yet published on the site is always welcomed. Please contact us here
Additional articles on other aspects of the band's activities will follow over the coming weeks. Further information on the history of Lewis Merthyr is available in the About and History sections of this site
Any information on the history of the bands or collieries not yet published on the sites is always welcome. Please contact us here
-----
“A Damn Fine Band” said HRH Edward, then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VIII, 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 this 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 Bands, visit the About and History sections of this site. Any information on the history of the bands or collieries not yet published on the site is always welcomed. Please contact us here
Remembrance Day 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 "We Will Remember Them", our 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 video will be live from 10:45am on Remembrance Sunday, November 8th
Below can be found the video for "We Will Remember Them", our 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 video will be live from 10:45am on Remembrance Sunday, November 8th
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
Please browse our YouTube channel - and be sure to subscribe - for additional free videos of the band in performance
A link to donate direct to the Royal British Legion can be found on our Facebook page here or visit
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Please browse our YouTube channel - and be sure to subscribe - for additional free videos of the band in performance
A link to donate direct to the Royal British Legion can be found on our Facebook page here or visit
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Further New Directions!
Following our previous announcement in June regarding the support of the Arts Council of Wales for our new music micro-commissioning project New Directions, the band is delighted to announce that we 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 our 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 our 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
Cofiwch Aberfan
As part of our ongoing series of lockdown videos, today we pay 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 this site
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 this site
New Directions
The band is delighted to announce that it has been awarded support from the Arts Council of Wales to undertake a new music project through the latter part of 2020 called 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 then collectively as 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.
The band 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 all the eminent musicians the band will be working with, 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 then collectively as 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.
The band 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 all the eminent musicians the band will be working with, can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/new-directions
Brass & Voices of Wales now available for download
|
The band's popular Brass & Voices of Wales recording is now available for download via our new Bandcamp site
Produced in association with the Welsh Proms, the album 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, conducted by Welsh Proms Artistic Director, Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The disc features much of Wales’ most beloved music, together with the premiere recording of a new work by Dr. Christopher Wood, entitled and dedicated to the memory of "Aberfan", plus Gareth Wood’s scintillating creative arrangement of "Sosban Fach"; music from the iconic Hollywood movie “Zulu” and much more. |
|
The full album tracklist is outlined below. Copies of the CD can be purchased here or to download either the full album or individual tracks, visit lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com
"A truly tremendous disc, perfectly capturing the sound and spirit of Wales"
Tracklist
"A truly tremendous disc, perfectly capturing the sound and spirit of Wales"
Tracklist
- Cwm Rhondda - J. Hughes / A. Hughes / Trans C. Painter
- Men of Harlech - Trad. / Arr. G. Langford
- David of the White Rock - Trad. / Arr. G. Willcocks
- Gwahoddiad - L. Hartsough / Arr. D. Burton
- Aberfan - Christopher Wood
- Calon Lân - Trad. / Trans. T. J. Powell
- Morte Christe - E. Jones / Arr. R. Newton
- Suo-Gân - Trad. / P. Sparke
- Gresford (The Miners' Hymn) - R. Saint / Arr. S. Smith
- Myfanwy - Trad. / Arr. R. Newton
- Deep Harmony - H. Parker / Arr. R. Newsome
- Sosban Fach - Gareth Wood
- Llanfair - R. Williams / M. Thomas / Arr. D. Burton
- All Through the Night - Trad. / Arr. G. Langford
- Abide With Me - W. H. Monk / Sir Karl Jenkins
- Deus Salutis (Llef) - G. H. Jones / M. Thomas / Trans. S. Hampton
- Zulu - John Barry / Arr. R. Thorne
- Tydi a Roddaist - Arwel Hughes / Trans. D. A. Small
New Engagements Scheduled & Recordings Made Available
As lockdown begins to ease, the band have now begun provisionally rescheduling events for 2021 and autumn / winter 2020. Engagements to date are available in the Events Diary section of the website here If you would like to contact us to discuss an events, please email us at [email protected]
In the meantime we're continuing to upload additional recordings from our archives for friends and followers of the band to enjoy free of charge, via our website and our new YouTube channel, which can be viewed here Recent additions include all the band's contest performances from the halcyon year of 1984, when Lewis Merthyr became Champion Band of Wales, plus the full schedule of items from a broadcast for BBC Radio 2 in 1981.
The recordings are available online via our new YouTube channel with additional material also available in the Audio and Video sections of this site.
We look forward to resuming our live musical activities as soon as we are able to do so safely, and wish all our friends and supporters good health and best wishes. We'll see you soon
In the meantime we're continuing to upload additional recordings from our archives for friends and followers of the band to enjoy free of charge, via our website and our new YouTube channel, which can be viewed here Recent additions include all the band's contest performances from the halcyon year of 1984, when Lewis Merthyr became Champion Band of Wales, plus the full schedule of items from a broadcast for BBC Radio 2 in 1981.
The recordings are available online via our new YouTube channel with additional material also available in the Audio and Video sections of this site.
We look forward to resuming our live musical activities as soon as we are able to do so safely, and wish all our friends and supporters good health and best wishes. We'll see you soon
Champion Band of Wales - Full Playlist
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYJP9nmwOJ8&list=PLd-isWMeDSsdRxrihNMxYcepZuQpminjM
- Berlioz / Arr. Snell: Overture: Waverley
- Vinter: James Cook Circumnavigator
- Arnold: Fantasy For Band
- Sparke: Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYJP9nmwOJ8&list=PLd-isWMeDSsdRxrihNMxYcepZuQpminjM
- Berlioz / Arr. Snell: Overture: Waverley
- Vinter: James Cook Circumnavigator
- Arnold: Fantasy For Band
- Sparke: Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud
BBC Radio 2 Broadcast - Listen to the Band - Full Playlist
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQu7wx7xeNo&list=PLd-isWMeDSseNil-qS380PJm5HoLmWzT3
1. Introduction by Charlie Chester
2. Wagner: Introduction to Act III - Lohengrin
3. Dvořák: Rusalka's Song to the Moon (Soloist: Chris Dawes)
4. Newsome: Hat Trick (Soloists: Jeff Thomas, David "Dil" Brimble, John Williams
5. T. J. Powell: Desert Caravan (from Three Miniatures) *Premiere Broadcast*
6. Gliere / Seaman: Russian Sailors Dance
7. Hanmer: Latin Americana
8. Heyler: Tricky Trombones (Soloists: Richard Davies, Eddy Kelly, Robert Ingram)
9. Gregson: Swedish March
10. Boekel: Scherzo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQu7wx7xeNo&list=PLd-isWMeDSseNil-qS380PJm5HoLmWzT3
1. Introduction by Charlie Chester
2. Wagner: Introduction to Act III - Lohengrin
3. Dvořák: Rusalka's Song to the Moon (Soloist: Chris Dawes)
4. Newsome: Hat Trick (Soloists: Jeff Thomas, David "Dil" Brimble, John Williams
5. T. J. Powell: Desert Caravan (from Three Miniatures) *Premiere Broadcast*
6. Gliere / Seaman: Russian Sailors Dance
7. Hanmer: Latin Americana
8. Heyler: Tricky Trombones (Soloists: Richard Davies, Eddy Kelly, Robert Ingram)
9. Gregson: Swedish March
10. Boekel: Scherzo
Gloucester Cathedral Concert - Full Playlist
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATNE-ZlOldk&list=PLd-isWMeDSse7vdYY9n6Q8colqv6etWf4
- Procession of the Nobles (Rimsky-Korsakov)
- Greensleeves (Attr. Henry VIII / Arr. Snell)
- A Gloucester Psalm (Golland) *Premiere Recording*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATNE-ZlOldk&list=PLd-isWMeDSse7vdYY9n6Q8colqv6etWf4
- Procession of the Nobles (Rimsky-Korsakov)
- Greensleeves (Attr. Henry VIII / Arr. Snell)
- A Gloucester Psalm (Golland) *Premiere Recording*
Hidden Gems Unearthed
We've been busy in isolation delving into the band's archives and appealing to the public for help in piecing together more of the band's rich history, and we've uncovered some tremendous gems.
Firstly, pictured above are medals from the band recently discovered by Fran Hughes. Fran’s grandfather, Gwilym Williams, was a member of the band during a very successful year for Lewis Merthyr Band - 1951.
The 1950s were one of the golden periods in the band's history, and 1951 itself saw the band win the Welsh Inter-Association Championships at the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy; the Blaina Contest at Tom Atkinson Central Park, Monmouthshire; the Bridgewater Open Festival at Cyril Yorath Blake Gardens, Somerset, Cornwall; and - perhaps most notably - the Second Section of the U.K. wide National Championships of Great Britain held at the famous King’s Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester.
In addition, the band also won the championships which this medal refers to, the South Wales & Monmouthshire ‘Class A’ Championships, which were held on 23rd June 1951 at Ynys Stadium, Aberdare. The set test piece for the event was Eric Ball’s “Resurgam” and the band, conducted by Oliver Jones, were declared champions, with the Parc & Dare Band placed second and Cory Band third.
The medals are such a tremendous piece of Lewis Merthyr Band history, which we're indebted to Fran for sharing with us.
In addition, we've also been delving into the band's recording archive and have begun uploading some of the material to our new YouTube channel, which can be viewed here. Among the gems included are footage from the BBC Best of Brass series in the 1980's, Pathe newsreel footage of the band marching before HRH The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII in 1932, and the premiere performance of John Golland's "A Gloucester Psalm".
Golland was a master composer for brass, who the band enjoyed a strong relationship with in the 1980s. "A Gloucester Psalm" was performaned by the band in concert at Gloucester Cathedral itself with Gloucester Cathedral Choir on October 9th, 1983, and the performance conducted by longstanding former Musical Director Nigel Seaman. The performance was captured on tape, and, what we believe to be the only known recording of the work, is featured in the below video, laid over images of Gloucester Cathedral.
Our additional work on the history of the band can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/history If you have any photographs, memorabilia, recordings or memories relating to the Lewis Merthyr Band, please do get in contact with us. You can reach us on Facebook or by email at [email protected]
Firstly, pictured above are medals from the band recently discovered by Fran Hughes. Fran’s grandfather, Gwilym Williams, was a member of the band during a very successful year for Lewis Merthyr Band - 1951.
The 1950s were one of the golden periods in the band's history, and 1951 itself saw the band win the Welsh Inter-Association Championships at the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy; the Blaina Contest at Tom Atkinson Central Park, Monmouthshire; the Bridgewater Open Festival at Cyril Yorath Blake Gardens, Somerset, Cornwall; and - perhaps most notably - the Second Section of the U.K. wide National Championships of Great Britain held at the famous King’s Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester.
In addition, the band also won the championships which this medal refers to, the South Wales & Monmouthshire ‘Class A’ Championships, which were held on 23rd June 1951 at Ynys Stadium, Aberdare. The set test piece for the event was Eric Ball’s “Resurgam” and the band, conducted by Oliver Jones, were declared champions, with the Parc & Dare Band placed second and Cory Band third.
The medals are such a tremendous piece of Lewis Merthyr Band history, which we're indebted to Fran for sharing with us.
In addition, we've also been delving into the band's recording archive and have begun uploading some of the material to our new YouTube channel, which can be viewed here. Among the gems included are footage from the BBC Best of Brass series in the 1980's, Pathe newsreel footage of the band marching before HRH The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII in 1932, and the premiere performance of John Golland's "A Gloucester Psalm".
Golland was a master composer for brass, who the band enjoyed a strong relationship with in the 1980s. "A Gloucester Psalm" was performaned by the band in concert at Gloucester Cathedral itself with Gloucester Cathedral Choir on October 9th, 1983, and the performance conducted by longstanding former Musical Director Nigel Seaman. The performance was captured on tape, and, what we believe to be the only known recording of the work, is featured in the below video, laid over images of Gloucester Cathedral.
Our additional work on the history of the band can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/history If you have any photographs, memorabilia, recordings or memories relating to the Lewis Merthyr Band, please do get in contact with us. You can reach us on Facebook or by email at [email protected]
We'll Meet Again - VE Day Challenge
Like so many other arts and community organisations, all activities of Lewis Merthyr Band are currently suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus situation.
This year, musicians from our band were due to travel to three continents to perform in a series of high profile international events marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and 75 years of peace in Europe. Due to the Covid-19 crisis however, these events have all, understandably, been postponed.
As with all other musical and wider community groups, the band have been unable to meet to rehearse and perform together weekly, but we simply couldn't let the 75th anniversary of VE Day pass without recording a tribute, albeit remotely and individually from 30 separate locations across South Wales - and wider!
We were joined for this recording by some international friends - from the Netherlands, New Zealand born soprano Crystel Benton; and from Trondheim, Norway our good friends Ronny & Ingrid Lauten who joined us remotely ahead of their wedding there later this week (Congratulations Both!)
So, here's our remote VE Day tribute. It was live on YouTube from Thursday, May 7th at 7:45pm because, as musicians across the country have been performing various pieces of music each Thursday ahead of the weekly nationwide "Clap for Carers", that week we invited people across the county and country to join us in a special VE Day tribute, and spread a little hope and joy by joining us in a performance of We'll Meet Again on May 7th at 7:58pm
A songsheet and mp3 to practice along to was made available here, together with sheet music for any musicians who wanted to join in and play in their own communities, and we were delighted to be join by friends from across Wales and also from Australia, Canada and Denmark in paying tribute to our fantastic NHS and VE Day 75
This year, musicians from our band were due to travel to three continents to perform in a series of high profile international events marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and 75 years of peace in Europe. Due to the Covid-19 crisis however, these events have all, understandably, been postponed.
As with all other musical and wider community groups, the band have been unable to meet to rehearse and perform together weekly, but we simply couldn't let the 75th anniversary of VE Day pass without recording a tribute, albeit remotely and individually from 30 separate locations across South Wales - and wider!
We were joined for this recording by some international friends - from the Netherlands, New Zealand born soprano Crystel Benton; and from Trondheim, Norway our good friends Ronny & Ingrid Lauten who joined us remotely ahead of their wedding there later this week (Congratulations Both!)
So, here's our remote VE Day tribute. It was live on YouTube from Thursday, May 7th at 7:45pm because, as musicians across the country have been performing various pieces of music each Thursday ahead of the weekly nationwide "Clap for Carers", that week we invited people across the county and country to join us in a special VE Day tribute, and spread a little hope and joy by joining us in a performance of We'll Meet Again on May 7th at 7:58pm
A songsheet and mp3 to practice along to was made available here, together with sheet music for any musicians who wanted to join in and play in their own communities, and we were delighted to be join by friends from across Wales and also from Australia, Canada and Denmark in paying tribute to our fantastic NHS and VE Day 75
We look forward to resuming our music making soon and in the meantime encourage our friends and followers to visit the Video and Audio sections of our website to view a number of free clips of the band in performance, and our brand new YouTube Channel
If you might also like to support the band at this time by purchasing a copy of our Brass & Voices of Wales album with the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Owain Arwel hughes CBE, click here
Stay safe, stay healthy and we look forward to seeing you all again soon
If you would like to engage Lewis Merthyr Band or one of our smaller ensembles for your autumn / winter 2020 or 2021 concert or event, contact us here
For a full outline of our current range of ensembles and concert packages, click here
If you might also like to support the band at this time by purchasing a copy of our Brass & Voices of Wales album with the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Owain Arwel hughes CBE, click here
Stay safe, stay healthy and we look forward to seeing you all again soon
If you would like to engage Lewis Merthyr Band or one of our smaller ensembles for your autumn / winter 2020 or 2021 concert or event, contact us here
For a full outline of our current range of ensembles and concert packages, click here
|
|
|
Movies, Musicals & More! in aid of Rhondda Flooding Relief
|
|
In February the Rhondda was hit hard by devastating flooding, with many local residents seeing their homes and businesses severely damaged or destroyed.
In order to help with the relief efforts, in partnership with Pendyrus Male Choir and with the co-operation of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, the band jointly agreed that the proceeds of the "Movies, Musicals & More!" event at the Park & Dare Theatre, which the band and choir have undertaken in aid of the Tunnel Society on three occasions previously, would instead this year be donated to Rhondda Flooding Relief.
It was the hope of all parties that this would, in some small way, help those affected by the flooding throughout the previous month, and what a spectacular evening the concert turned out to be. Presented by BBC Wales' Beverley Humphreys, the evening featured the band, Pendyrus, Treorchy Comprehensive School Choir & Cor Y Cwm on top form in a host of favourite blockbuster movie themes and musical theatre hits.
Performing to a delighted audience, which included Chris Bryant MP, Leanne Wood AM and more, the amassed performers and generous audience generated a box office income of over £2800 for the flooding relief appeal.
The band would like to thank Beverley Humphreys and our fellow performers for a wonderful evening of music, the Rhondda Tunnel Society for switching the receipt of the concert's proceeds to Rhondda Flooding Relief, and to the Park & Dare Theatre, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Ricoh Wales and all who attended for their generous support of the event
Diolch yn fawr iawn i bawb
In order to help with the relief efforts, in partnership with Pendyrus Male Choir and with the co-operation of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, the band jointly agreed that the proceeds of the "Movies, Musicals & More!" event at the Park & Dare Theatre, which the band and choir have undertaken in aid of the Tunnel Society on three occasions previously, would instead this year be donated to Rhondda Flooding Relief.
It was the hope of all parties that this would, in some small way, help those affected by the flooding throughout the previous month, and what a spectacular evening the concert turned out to be. Presented by BBC Wales' Beverley Humphreys, the evening featured the band, Pendyrus, Treorchy Comprehensive School Choir & Cor Y Cwm on top form in a host of favourite blockbuster movie themes and musical theatre hits.
Performing to a delighted audience, which included Chris Bryant MP, Leanne Wood AM and more, the amassed performers and generous audience generated a box office income of over £2800 for the flooding relief appeal.
The band would like to thank Beverley Humphreys and our fellow performers for a wonderful evening of music, the Rhondda Tunnel Society for switching the receipt of the concert's proceeds to Rhondda Flooding Relief, and to the Park & Dare Theatre, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Ricoh Wales and all who attended for their generous support of the event
Diolch yn fawr iawn i bawb
Welsh Regional Championships 2020
The band recently enjoyed its first performance at the newly built Great Hall at Swansea University, competing in the 2020 Welsh Regional Championships. The band's performance of the set work "Legacy", dedicated to NHS Founder Aneurin Bevan, found favour with many in the hall and we were rewarded with fourth place behind national final qualifiers BTM and Tylorstown bands, and North Wales' Deiniolen band coming in third. The result places the band in good stead for the rest of the year and the 2021 championships which will again be held at the Great Hall on Saturday March 6th.
Our thanks go out to all our members for a very busy start to the year, with the Welsh Open and Welsh Regional both being held in February. We now look forward to a busy but rewarding concert season ahead, which includes performances at the Park & Dare Theatre, Cardigan Castle and The Stiwt, Wrexham, ahead of the band's participation in the National Eisteddfod of Wales, held this year at Tregaron, West Wales in August.
For the band's full 2020 / 2021 diary, visit the Engagements section of the website here
Our thanks go out to all our members for a very busy start to the year, with the Welsh Open and Welsh Regional both being held in February. We now look forward to a busy but rewarding concert season ahead, which includes performances at the Park & Dare Theatre, Cardigan Castle and The Stiwt, Wrexham, ahead of the band's participation in the National Eisteddfod of Wales, held this year at Tregaron, West Wales in August.
For the band's full 2020 / 2021 diary, visit the Engagements section of the website here
Celebrating 2020 at the Welsh Open Championships
On Saturday February 15th, the band participated in the 2020 Welsh Regional Championships at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl and thoroughly enjoyed sharing our “Celebrate 2020” themed performance with the audience there.
Playing off a number two draw the band performed “Don’t Stop Me Now” (celebrating Queen’s 50th anniversary this year), the Miners Hymn “Gresford” (marking the 35th anniversary of the 1985 Miners Strikes), “Opus One” (80 years of the Big Band era), John Golland’s beautiful “Meiso - Contemplation” (Tokyo 2020 and the 30th anniversary of the composition) and Matthew Hall’s epic “Nightingale Dances” (VE Day 75).
Huge thanks go to all our members for all their hard work on a challenging and really enjoyable programme, particularly our stellar soloists Rhiannon Griffiths, Lynsey Orr, and all who had solo features. Congratulations go out to championship section Filton Concert on a hat trick of wins at the contest and to the Midlands Enderby Band on qualification for the 2020 Senior Trophy at Blackpool.
The 2021 Welsh Open will again be held at the Grand Pavilion on Saturday February 6th
Playing off a number two draw the band performed “Don’t Stop Me Now” (celebrating Queen’s 50th anniversary this year), the Miners Hymn “Gresford” (marking the 35th anniversary of the 1985 Miners Strikes), “Opus One” (80 years of the Big Band era), John Golland’s beautiful “Meiso - Contemplation” (Tokyo 2020 and the 30th anniversary of the composition) and Matthew Hall’s epic “Nightingale Dances” (VE Day 75).
Huge thanks go to all our members for all their hard work on a challenging and really enjoyable programme, particularly our stellar soloists Rhiannon Griffiths, Lynsey Orr, and all who had solo features. Congratulations go out to championship section Filton Concert on a hat trick of wins at the contest and to the Midlands Enderby Band on qualification for the 2020 Senior Trophy at Blackpool.
The 2021 Welsh Open will again be held at the Grand Pavilion on Saturday February 6th
|
|
|
|
Six Nations Opener at Cardiff Arms Park
The band were delighted to undertake our first engagement of 2020 performing the national anthems and pre-match entertainment, together with the massed choirs of Côr Y Gleision & CF1 under WRU Director of Music Dr. Haydn James, at Cardiff Arms Park, for the opening match in Wales Womens Six Nations International series.
The band and choir's performances of the Italian and Welsh anthems were broadcast on the BBC and are available to view online, together with the match itself, on the BBC website at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000f455
The band will return to Cardiff Arms Park for both Wales v France on Sunday February 23rd and Wales v Scotland on Sunday March 15th. Our best wishes go out to both the Mens and Womens national teams for the full 2020 Six Nations campaigns🏴🏉
The band and choir's performances of the Italian and Welsh anthems were broadcast on the BBC and are available to view online, together with the match itself, on the BBC website at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000f455
The band will return to Cardiff Arms Park for both Wales v France on Sunday February 23rd and Wales v Scotland on Sunday March 15th. Our best wishes go out to both the Mens and Womens national teams for the full 2020 Six Nations campaigns🏴🏉
Annual Awards
The band enjoyed a delightful evening at our annual dinner & awards evening at the Heritage Park Hotel, Trehafod. Situated adjacent to "The Welsh Mining Experience" Rhondda Heritage Park, the hotel and park both stand on the site of the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, and the band's annual dinner was appropriately held in the Lewis Merthyr Suite itself.
Following a three course meal and quiz, the annual awards of Players' Player of the Year, Bandsperson of the Year and Conductors Award were made, respectively, to solo euphonium Ron Andrews (Players' Player), David Short (Bandsperson of the Year) and Claire Thomas (Conductor’s Award). All three awards were closely contested with warm congratulations from all going out to the three deserved recipients.
Thanks from the entire band goes out to all our members, supporters & friends for a super year throughout 2019. We now look forward to another great year ahead, beginning with our first engagement of the year, the Wales vs Italy Women’s Six Nations International at Cardiff Arms Park
Following a three course meal and quiz, the annual awards of Players' Player of the Year, Bandsperson of the Year and Conductors Award were made, respectively, to solo euphonium Ron Andrews (Players' Player), David Short (Bandsperson of the Year) and Claire Thomas (Conductor’s Award). All three awards were closely contested with warm congratulations from all going out to the three deserved recipients.
Thanks from the entire band goes out to all our members, supporters & friends for a super year throughout 2019. We now look forward to another great year ahead, beginning with our first engagement of the year, the Wales vs Italy Women’s Six Nations International at Cardiff Arms Park
2020 News
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! A great year ahead
A very Happy New Year to all LMB members, friends and followers. The band had a fantastic near in 2019 and are looking forward to very special year ahead in 2020 with engagements throughout the whole of Wales and internationally.
The band undertook 30 engagements in 2019, highlights of which included a very memorable performance with "Voices of the Valley", the Fron Male Choir at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion in North Wales, a return appearance at the Welsh Proms at St David's Hall, Cardiff and also at the Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT). The band also made international links with visitors from Germany & Russia, and enjoyed a fantastic visit to Belgium, further information on which, including photographs and video from the visit, is available here
The band now has a very exciting year ahead in 2020 which opens with a series of performances in conjunction with the Six Nations Womens Rugby Internationals at Cardiff Arms Park, the Welsh Open and Welsh Regional Championships at Porthcawl & Swansea, and the Rhondda Tunnel "Movies, Musicals & More!" concert at Rhondda's Park & Dare Theatre, tickets for which are now available here
Later in the year the band will undertake its first visits to both the USA & Russia, to participate in historic VE Day and VJ Day 75 events in both nations. These will be followed up by events in the UK and in Germany with friends from our twin town of Ravensburg, celebrating 75 years of peace between Germany and the UK.
Our full 2020 engagements listing to date can be found here The band are always keen to hear from additional new venues and partners interested in working with us. To contact the band management to discuss your performance or event, and for details of our event packages available in 2020/21, click here
If you'd like to hear the band ahead of our first 2020 events, you can do so online via our Audio and Video galleries, or our recent Brass & Voices of Wales album, which features the band together with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The disc is available for download and purchase here
We wish all our friends and followers a super year ahead, and look forward to welcoming you to a Lewis-Merthyr Band event soon
The band undertook 30 engagements in 2019, highlights of which included a very memorable performance with "Voices of the Valley", the Fron Male Choir at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion in North Wales, a return appearance at the Welsh Proms at St David's Hall, Cardiff and also at the Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT). The band also made international links with visitors from Germany & Russia, and enjoyed a fantastic visit to Belgium, further information on which, including photographs and video from the visit, is available here
The band now has a very exciting year ahead in 2020 which opens with a series of performances in conjunction with the Six Nations Womens Rugby Internationals at Cardiff Arms Park, the Welsh Open and Welsh Regional Championships at Porthcawl & Swansea, and the Rhondda Tunnel "Movies, Musicals & More!" concert at Rhondda's Park & Dare Theatre, tickets for which are now available here
Later in the year the band will undertake its first visits to both the USA & Russia, to participate in historic VE Day and VJ Day 75 events in both nations. These will be followed up by events in the UK and in Germany with friends from our twin town of Ravensburg, celebrating 75 years of peace between Germany and the UK.
Our full 2020 engagements listing to date can be found here The band are always keen to hear from additional new venues and partners interested in working with us. To contact the band management to discuss your performance or event, and for details of our event packages available in 2020/21, click here
If you'd like to hear the band ahead of our first 2020 events, you can do so online via our Audio and Video galleries, or our recent Brass & Voices of Wales album, which features the band together with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The disc is available for download and purchase here
We wish all our friends and followers a super year ahead, and look forward to welcoming you to a Lewis-Merthyr Band event soon
LMB at Christmas
The band had a fantastic month throughout December with 18 engagements across Rhondda and wider. Our 2019 festive performances ranged from concerts at Tonyrefail & Coychurch, a Christmas Parade through Tonypandy, ensemble performances at Insole Court, Llandaff, in communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf and wider, plus a visit to our twin town of Ravensburg, Germany.
Huge thanks go to all our members for all their hard work throughout the Christmas period and to all the communities & audiences we visited for all your support. The band are now on a hard earned break for Christmas but we'll be back in rehearsal from Monday January 6th on.
We hope everyone has a truly wonderful Christmas - Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i bawb
For full information on all our forthcoming 2020 events, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
Huge thanks go to all our members for all their hard work throughout the Christmas period and to all the communities & audiences we visited for all your support. The band are now on a hard earned break for Christmas but we'll be back in rehearsal from Monday January 6th on.
We hope everyone has a truly wonderful Christmas - Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i bawb
For full information on all our forthcoming 2020 events, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
Croeso / Welcome!
Lewis Merthyr Band are delighted to welcome a clutch of new members ahead of our 2020 season. The band welcomes Tyler Webber on cornet, Sophie Davies on horn, Lynsey Orr on baritone, Nils Richards on Principal Trombone, and Dene-Paul Stephens & Elizabeth Homewood on tuba. The band are delighted to welcome all six new members and look forward to their first performance with the band at the forthcoming GBBA Championships in Cheltenham on Sunday November 17th.
Following our annual series of Christmas performances and festive break, the band will then spend January preparing for participation in the Welsh Open Entertainments Championships at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl on Saturday February 15th and the Welsh Regional Championships at the Great Hall, Swansea University on Saturday February 29th.
Beyond these opening performances of 2020, the band then look forward to international visits to Russia, the USA and Belgium together with a series of high profile concerts at home in Wales throughout 2020.
Final vacancies exist in the band for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet & Percussion. Expressions of interest in these key positions are welcome. The band are also always keen to hear from additional new members in all sections. To contact us, click here
Following our annual series of Christmas performances and festive break, the band will then spend January preparing for participation in the Welsh Open Entertainments Championships at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl on Saturday February 15th and the Welsh Regional Championships at the Great Hall, Swansea University on Saturday February 29th.
Beyond these opening performances of 2020, the band then look forward to international visits to Russia, the USA and Belgium together with a series of high profile concerts at home in Wales throughout 2020.
Final vacancies exist in the band for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet & Percussion. Expressions of interest in these key positions are welcome. The band are also always keen to hear from additional new members in all sections. To contact us, click here
Remembrance 2019
100 years ago, in 1919, the Cymmer Military Band, antecedent of the present day Lewis Merthyr Band, performed atop Cymmer mountain for the unveiling of the War Memorial Stone depicted above. Each year since, the band has supported Remembrance events in and around the local community for a full century now.
This year the band supported three Remembrance events at Pontypridd, Tonyrefail and Bridgend and also supplied buglers for additional Remembrance Day services at Aberdare, Barry & Beddau with an additional ensemble of members of the band also supporting the annual Festival of Remembrance at Blaengwynfi
This year was the first time the band were involved in the Festival of Remembrance at St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd, and performed together with Lucie Jones, Melody Makers Choir and The Glam Youth Choir. On Remembrance Sunday itself, the band then divided into two ten piece ensembles to support the annual parades and services of remembrance at both Tonyrefail and Bridgend. Both events were free to attend and open to all.
The band were delighted to support these events, continuing the efforts of the Cymmer Band of 100 years ago, and we look forward to continuing to support additional Remembrance events in future years.
We Will Remember Them
Further information on the stone and that first Remembrance ceremony can be found here
This year the band supported three Remembrance events at Pontypridd, Tonyrefail and Bridgend and also supplied buglers for additional Remembrance Day services at Aberdare, Barry & Beddau with an additional ensemble of members of the band also supporting the annual Festival of Remembrance at Blaengwynfi
This year was the first time the band were involved in the Festival of Remembrance at St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd, and performed together with Lucie Jones, Melody Makers Choir and The Glam Youth Choir. On Remembrance Sunday itself, the band then divided into two ten piece ensembles to support the annual parades and services of remembrance at both Tonyrefail and Bridgend. Both events were free to attend and open to all.
The band were delighted to support these events, continuing the efforts of the Cymmer Band of 100 years ago, and we look forward to continuing to support additional Remembrance events in future years.
We Will Remember Them
Further information on the stone and that first Remembrance ceremony can be found here
Brass & Voices for Women's Aid RCT
|
On Thursday October 17th, Lewis Merthyr Band performed together with both Cambrian Male Choir and Tonyrefail School Choir, in an evening of Brass & Voices at St John's Church, Cymmer, in support of Women's Aid RCT.
The event was a great success and featured repertoire from hit movies and musicals, including the Greatest Showman, The Lion King, numerous other Disney shows, plus a selection of traditional favourites. The band were delighted to support both the charity and our local church and look forward to returning to St John's again soon. |
|
Dank i wel Belgie!
In early October 2019, the band travelled to Ostend, Belgium, where it performed alongside additional groups from across Europe and wider in three performances at the 5000 seat capacity Versluys Dome, as part of the 2019 International Taptoe Belgie
The band enjoyed an absolutely superb visit, and were proud to represent Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales on the international stage at this leading international show alongside the Republic of Korea Air Force Band and Song Misook Dance Troupe - South Korea; Fanfare Bereden Wapens - Netherlands; the International Massed Pipes & Drums and ITB Highland Dance Team; the Gymnastes des Pompiers and Musique des Pompiers de Paris - France; and WIK Showkorps - Belgium
Further information and images from the visit can be found here while full information on the International Taptoe Belgie can be found at www.taptoebelgie.be
The band enjoyed an absolutely superb visit, and were proud to represent Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales on the international stage at this leading international show alongside the Republic of Korea Air Force Band and Song Misook Dance Troupe - South Korea; Fanfare Bereden Wapens - Netherlands; the International Massed Pipes & Drums and ITB Highland Dance Team; the Gymnastes des Pompiers and Musique des Pompiers de Paris - France; and WIK Showkorps - Belgium
Further information and images from the visit can be found here while full information on the International Taptoe Belgie can be found at www.taptoebelgie.be
All images copyright Robert Aarts Photography / Internationale Taptoe Belgie. For additional images from the 2019 International Taptoe, visit gallery.www.robertaarts.nl/internationaletaptoebelgi
Busy Autumn / Winter Ahead
Following an excellent summer season, including an appearance at the Welsh Proms in the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff, Lewis Merthyr Band now look forward to a busy autumn season ahead, which will include performances in Wales, England and overseas.
In early October the band will travel to Belgium, where it will perform alongside additional groups from across Europe and wider in three performances at the 5000 seat capacity Versluys Dome in Ostend, as part of the International Taptoe Belgie. The band are thoroughly looking forward to the visit, and to representing Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales on the international stage at this leading international show, performing alongside additional groups from Belgium, France, the Netherlands and South Korea. Further information on the International Taptoe Belgie can be found at www.taptoebelgie.be Full details of the visit can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/belgium
Closer to home, Lewis Merthyr will then be performing in concert at St John's, Cymmer on Thursday October 17th, before supporting Remembrance Day events at both Tonyrefail and Bridgend. We then close out November performing in competition at the GBBA Championships in Cheltenham, ahead of our usual busy festive season. This year our Christmas events will include performances in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Coychurch, Llandaff and, once again overseas, in our twin town of Ravensburg, Germany.
Full information on all forthcoming Lewis Merthyr Band events can be found in the Engagements section of the website here If you are interested in engaging the full band or one of our smaller ensembles for your performance or event, please contact us here
The band are always keen to welcome new members to the organisation. To enquire about membership of the band, please contact us here
In early October the band will travel to Belgium, where it will perform alongside additional groups from across Europe and wider in three performances at the 5000 seat capacity Versluys Dome in Ostend, as part of the International Taptoe Belgie. The band are thoroughly looking forward to the visit, and to representing Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales on the international stage at this leading international show, performing alongside additional groups from Belgium, France, the Netherlands and South Korea. Further information on the International Taptoe Belgie can be found at www.taptoebelgie.be Full details of the visit can be found at www.lewismerthyrband.com/belgium
Closer to home, Lewis Merthyr will then be performing in concert at St John's, Cymmer on Thursday October 17th, before supporting Remembrance Day events at both Tonyrefail and Bridgend. We then close out November performing in competition at the GBBA Championships in Cheltenham, ahead of our usual busy festive season. This year our Christmas events will include performances in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Coychurch, Llandaff and, once again overseas, in our twin town of Ravensburg, Germany.
Full information on all forthcoming Lewis Merthyr Band events can be found in the Engagements section of the website here If you are interested in engaging the full band or one of our smaller ensembles for your performance or event, please contact us here
The band are always keen to welcome new members to the organisation. To enquire about membership of the band, please contact us here
The Welsh Proms Cymru, Wales' national classical music festival
|
|
The band were delighted to again appear Wales' national classical music festival, the Welsh Proms Cymru, at the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff. The band took to the stage together with the 200 voice massed male choir of Cor Meibion Morlais, Pontarddulais, Taf and Cwmbach, together with organist Robert Court & RAF St Athan Band, all performing under the baton of the renowned orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The performance was presented by BBC Wales presenter Beverley Humphreys and was attended by a delighted audience of 1100 people.
Additional events in the 2019 season featured the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, soloists Wynne Evans, Sophie Evans, Susan Bullock CBE, presenter Owen Teale and were broadcast on BBC Radio Cymru, Classic FM, and archived for future broadcast on BBC Radio Wales and Radio 3.
The band were delighted to appear at the event, and also pay tribute at the event to the recently departed actor Glyn Houston, in a performance later broadcast on Radio Wales of Sir Karl Jenkins' setting of "Abide With Me"; and to the composer Mervyn Burtch, performing his setting of "Deep Harmony" together with Robert Court at the St David's Hall organ, in the presence of Mervyn's widow, Rita Burtch.
Our thanks go out to Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes for including the band in the performance, and to programming the above tributes in the event.
The Welsh Proms Brass & Voices of Wales CD, also conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes and featuring Lewis Merthyr Band together with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, is available for mail order here and for download, direct from the Welsh Proms, here
Additional events in the 2019 season featured the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, soloists Wynne Evans, Sophie Evans, Susan Bullock CBE, presenter Owen Teale and were broadcast on BBC Radio Cymru, Classic FM, and archived for future broadcast on BBC Radio Wales and Radio 3.
The band were delighted to appear at the event, and also pay tribute at the event to the recently departed actor Glyn Houston, in a performance later broadcast on Radio Wales of Sir Karl Jenkins' setting of "Abide With Me"; and to the composer Mervyn Burtch, performing his setting of "Deep Harmony" together with Robert Court at the St David's Hall organ, in the presence of Mervyn's widow, Rita Burtch.
Our thanks go out to Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes for including the band in the performance, and to programming the above tributes in the event.
The Welsh Proms Brass & Voices of Wales CD, also conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes and featuring Lewis Merthyr Band together with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, is available for mail order here and for download, direct from the Welsh Proms, here
Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT)
|
|
The band were delighted to appear in and support the Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT). Lewis Merthyr featured in three of the festival's month long series of events, which included two D-Day 75 performances with the Jugendblasorchester of our twin town of Ravensburg, Germany and at the Family Fun Day held at Treorchy Comprehensive School.
The two D-Day 75 concerts took place at the new Tonyrefail School, together with Tonyrefail School Choir in
the first performance at the brand new facility; and the second at the "Cathedral of the Rhondda" St Peter's Church, Pentre.
The Family Fun Day featured the band's symphonic brass ensemble, and took place as part of the RAFT Festival's "Big Weekend" which also featured musical theatre star Kerry Ellis, top comedian Omid Djalili, outdoor movie screenings and more.
Further information on the festival can be found at www.raft.cymru
The two D-Day 75 concerts took place at the new Tonyrefail School, together with Tonyrefail School Choir in
the first performance at the brand new facility; and the second at the "Cathedral of the Rhondda" St Peter's Church, Pentre.
The Family Fun Day featured the band's symphonic brass ensemble, and took place as part of the RAFT Festival's "Big Weekend" which also featured musical theatre star Kerry Ellis, top comedian Omid Djalili, outdoor movie screenings and more.
Further information on the festival can be found at www.raft.cymru
Band in the Park
Our brass ensemble were delighted to support the recent Easter Family Fun Day at Gelli Park, Rhondda, where the local community is actively seeking to raise funds to reinvent the park and to restore the central Victorian bandstand there.
The band were delighted to assist and support the endeavour, and will continue to support the Friends of Gelli Park in this project in any way we can. Pay the park a visit when you’re next in the area. We’ll be back to perform there again very soon.
To engage the Lewis Merthyr Band, or one of our smaller ensembles, for your concert or event, contact us here
The band were delighted to assist and support the endeavour, and will continue to support the Friends of Gelli Park in this project in any way we can. Pay the park a visit when you’re next in the area. We’ll be back to perform there again very soon.
To engage the Lewis Merthyr Band, or one of our smaller ensembles, for your concert or event, contact us here
Tchaikovsky Connection for LMB
Lewis Merthyr were delighted to welcome an international guest to rehearsal recently, in the form of Associate Professor Artem Ananiev of the famous Tchaikovsky Conservatoire in Moscow, Russia.
Professor Ananiev was visiting Wales in connection with a project marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city of Donetsk - formerly Hughesovka (literally translated “Hughes’ Town”) - in Imperial Russia, by Merthyr Tydfil industrialist John Hughes in 1869.
The project included a workshop with Symphonic Brass Wales on a transcription for brass of Professor Ananiev's score to Russian film pioneer Dziga Vertov's movie "Enthusiasm: The Symphony of Donbass", which was filmed in 1930's Hughesovka. Other activities included the premiere of the Russian language film "Donbass Borderland" at Chapter Arts, Cardiff and a visit by the project team to the Hughesovka depository at the Glamorgan Archives.
Professor Ananiev's visit to Lewis Merthyr included a visit to the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, now Rhondda Heritage Park, and then an evening with the band, experimenting with and exploring the sounds, colours and technical capabilities of the modern brass band.
Lewis Merthyr Musical Director Craig Roberts stated "We were delighted to welcome to welcome Professor Ananiev to the Rhondda and Wales this week, and wish he and his team safe travels home. We look forward to welcoming him back to Wales again, and to performing some of the resultant music from this visit soon".
For further information on John Hughes and the 150th anniversary project, visit www.johnhugheswales.com
Professor Ananiev was visiting Wales in connection with a project marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city of Donetsk - formerly Hughesovka (literally translated “Hughes’ Town”) - in Imperial Russia, by Merthyr Tydfil industrialist John Hughes in 1869.
The project included a workshop with Symphonic Brass Wales on a transcription for brass of Professor Ananiev's score to Russian film pioneer Dziga Vertov's movie "Enthusiasm: The Symphony of Donbass", which was filmed in 1930's Hughesovka. Other activities included the premiere of the Russian language film "Donbass Borderland" at Chapter Arts, Cardiff and a visit by the project team to the Hughesovka depository at the Glamorgan Archives.
Professor Ananiev's visit to Lewis Merthyr included a visit to the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, now Rhondda Heritage Park, and then an evening with the band, experimenting with and exploring the sounds, colours and technical capabilities of the modern brass band.
Lewis Merthyr Musical Director Craig Roberts stated "We were delighted to welcome to welcome Professor Ananiev to the Rhondda and Wales this week, and wish he and his team safe travels home. We look forward to welcoming him back to Wales again, and to performing some of the resultant music from this visit soon".
For further information on John Hughes and the 150th anniversary project, visit www.johnhugheswales.com
LMB on the BBC
Lewis Merthyr Band will again be featured on BBC television in an additional screening of Episode 2 of "The Taff: The River That Made Wales" with Will Millard, which will be screened on BBC Four again on Thursday April 4th.
The episode features the band and interviews with Trustee Ivor England - a former miner at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery - plus Musical Director Craig Roberts and additional members of the band.
The full band is featured performing excerpts of Cwm Rhondda, Kenneth Downie's Purcell Variations and the Miner's Hymn, Gresford. The programme can be watched online from April 4th to May 2nd at
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0705d04
The episode features the band and interviews with Trustee Ivor England - a former miner at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery - plus Musical Director Craig Roberts and additional members of the band.
The full band is featured performing excerpts of Cwm Rhondda, Kenneth Downie's Purcell Variations and the Miner's Hymn, Gresford. The programme can be watched online from April 4th to May 2nd at
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0705d04
Super Weekend in North Wales
The band enjoyed a tremendous few days in North Wales this weekend performing at the William Aston Hall, Wrexham in the Welsh Regional Championships on Saturday March 16th, and performing a super concert for a wonderful capacity audience with the Fron Male Voice Choir at Llangollen Pavilion on Sunday March 17th.
We spent a great couple of days away socialising, and sharing a few lemonades also. Huge thanks go out to all who supported the excellent joint concert at Llangollen, and to our new friends at the Fron Choir, who we very much look forward to performing with again soon. It was wonderful also to have members of Llangollen Male Choir perform with us also, as they strive to resurrect their choir and recruit new membership, something we've hopefully assisted in raising awareness of.
Our biggest thanks however goes to each of our members for all their tremendous hard work and commitment throughout this weekend and in the preparations building up. Diolch yn fawr - diolch o galon i bawb. A massive thank you once again to all. We look forward to returning to North Wales again sometime soon.
We spent a great couple of days away socialising, and sharing a few lemonades also. Huge thanks go out to all who supported the excellent joint concert at Llangollen, and to our new friends at the Fron Choir, who we very much look forward to performing with again soon. It was wonderful also to have members of Llangollen Male Choir perform with us also, as they strive to resurrect their choir and recruit new membership, something we've hopefully assisted in raising awareness of.
Our biggest thanks however goes to each of our members for all their tremendous hard work and commitment throughout this weekend and in the preparations building up. Diolch yn fawr - diolch o galon i bawb. A massive thank you once again to all. We look forward to returning to North Wales again sometime soon.
New Look for LMB
|
The bandmembers will be sporting a new look this weekend in North Wales as we retire our well-worn navy blazers for all new black, red & gold soft shell jackets.
The new jackets were purchased from specialist band uniform manufacturers Fanfare North, suppliers of the same jackets to the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band. The jackets bear our newly designed logo, depicted here, and designed especially for the band by Huish Design, designers to the Welsh Proms. The band look forward to sporting our new "walking out" uniform off stage, while retaining our now matching black, red & gold stage jackets for performance. Huge thanks to Huish Design and Fanfare North for excellent products and service, and to the Rhondda Calendar Fund for their donation which assisted in the purchase of the walking out uniforms. |
Llangollen Choir Join Brass & Voices
Further to the recent BBC News piece on the plight of the Llangollen Male Choir (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-47192153) there's some light at the end of the tunnel for the troubled choristers, as - despite reports of their potential close - the choir will once again be taking to the concert stage this Sunday at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion, together with the Fron Choir and Lewis Merthyr Band.
The band will be travelling to North Wales to perform in the Welsh Regional Championships at the William Aston Hall, Wrexham on Saturday March 16th, and in concert with the famous “Voices of the Valley”, the Fron Male Choir, at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion, on Sunday, March 17th. Following the Llangollen Choir’s unfortunate situation of dwindling membership and search for a new Musical Director & Accompanist were reported, the band reached out to them and asked them to join us in performance on the famous Pavilion stage.
Happily the choir has now seen progress made, with their MD role filled and a number of offers of support for the accompanist position. Mere weeks after their possible demise was reported then, with these roles filled and a number of expressions of interest and potential new avenues for recruitment, there’s now potential light at the end of the tunnel for the 40 year old North Wales choir.
“It’s vital we protect our musical heritage” stated Lewis Merthyr Musical Director, and former Wales Development Manager for Makign Music, Craig Roberts “and what is more iconically Welsh than the sound of a choir? We are the Land of Song after all. We’re delighted that members of Llangollen are able to join us for this prestigious concert, and are thoroughly looking forward to seeing them take the concert stage again with us. We firmly hope that additional support for the choir and its current situation will continue to be seen from members of the local community and wider”
Llangollen Choir was formed in a front room by six local men in 1981, and rose to perform at venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall. We at Lewis Merthyr and the Fron Choir sincerely support their cause and hope that a similar resurgence can be witnessed. If anyone in the Llangollen or surrounding area might be considering membership of the choir, we would wholeheartedly encourage them to do so. Llangollen Choir Chair, David Smith can be contacted at
[email protected]
"Brass & Voices of Wales" takes place on Sunday, March 17th at 3:00pm in Llangollen Pavilion. Tickets are available online from the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre and online from Ticketsource here or by telephone on 0333 666 4466
The band will be travelling to North Wales to perform in the Welsh Regional Championships at the William Aston Hall, Wrexham on Saturday March 16th, and in concert with the famous “Voices of the Valley”, the Fron Male Choir, at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion, on Sunday, March 17th. Following the Llangollen Choir’s unfortunate situation of dwindling membership and search for a new Musical Director & Accompanist were reported, the band reached out to them and asked them to join us in performance on the famous Pavilion stage.
Happily the choir has now seen progress made, with their MD role filled and a number of offers of support for the accompanist position. Mere weeks after their possible demise was reported then, with these roles filled and a number of expressions of interest and potential new avenues for recruitment, there’s now potential light at the end of the tunnel for the 40 year old North Wales choir.
“It’s vital we protect our musical heritage” stated Lewis Merthyr Musical Director, and former Wales Development Manager for Makign Music, Craig Roberts “and what is more iconically Welsh than the sound of a choir? We are the Land of Song after all. We’re delighted that members of Llangollen are able to join us for this prestigious concert, and are thoroughly looking forward to seeing them take the concert stage again with us. We firmly hope that additional support for the choir and its current situation will continue to be seen from members of the local community and wider”
Llangollen Choir was formed in a front room by six local men in 1981, and rose to perform at venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall. We at Lewis Merthyr and the Fron Choir sincerely support their cause and hope that a similar resurgence can be witnessed. If anyone in the Llangollen or surrounding area might be considering membership of the choir, we would wholeheartedly encourage them to do so. Llangollen Choir Chair, David Smith can be contacted at
[email protected]
"Brass & Voices of Wales" takes place on Sunday, March 17th at 3:00pm in Llangollen Pavilion. Tickets are available online from the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre and online from Ticketsource here or by telephone on 0333 666 4466
St David's Day at St Peter's
The band thoroughly enjoyed a superb St David's Day concert on home turf at the "Cathedral of the Rhondda", St Peter's Church, Pentre on Thursday March 7th, together with fabulous Richard Williams Singers and award winning Cor Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn. Both band and choirs performed to a large and very appreciative audience. We look forward to returning to St Peter's in June to perform with the Jugendblasorchester Ravensburg of Germany and students of Treorchy Comprehensive School in a special D-Day 75 concert as part of the Rhondda Arts Festival (RAFT). For further information on the event, visit www.raft.cymru
A March of Brass & Voices
Lewis-Merthyr will feature in two of our popular Brass & Voices concerts in both North & South Wales this March.
Firstly the band will perform on home turf at the "Cathedral of the Rhondda", St Peter's Church, Pentre on Thursday March 7th, together with The Richard Williams Singers and the award winning Cor Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn.
On Sunday March 17th, Lewis Merthyr will then travel to North Wales to perform with the famed "Voices of the Valley", the Fron Male Choir, in concert at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion.
Tickets for both engagements are now available online or by telephone and can be purchased via the following links:
Thursday March 7th
Brass & Voices for St David's Day
St Peter's Church, Pentre
The Richard Williams Singers
Lewis-Merthyr Band
Cor YGG Llwyncelyn
Tickets: £8 / £7 concessions
Children: £5 (first child's ticket FREE)
0333 666 4466
ticketsource.co.uk/lewis-merthyr-band
Sunday March 17th
Brass & Voices of Wales
Pafiliwn Llangollen Pavilion
Fron Male Choir
Lewis-Merthyr Band
Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions
Children: £5 (first child's ticket FREE)
0333 666 4466
ticketsource.co.uk/lewis-merthyr-band
Our "Brass & Voices of Wales" CD recording with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, is also available to purchase by mail order direct from the band here. The CD is also available to purchase in hard copy or by download from the Welsh Proms here
Firstly the band will perform on home turf at the "Cathedral of the Rhondda", St Peter's Church, Pentre on Thursday March 7th, together with The Richard Williams Singers and the award winning Cor Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn.
On Sunday March 17th, Lewis Merthyr will then travel to North Wales to perform with the famed "Voices of the Valley", the Fron Male Choir, in concert at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion.
Tickets for both engagements are now available online or by telephone and can be purchased via the following links:
Thursday March 7th
Brass & Voices for St David's Day
St Peter's Church, Pentre
The Richard Williams Singers
Lewis-Merthyr Band
Cor YGG Llwyncelyn
Tickets: £8 / £7 concessions
Children: £5 (first child's ticket FREE)
0333 666 4466
ticketsource.co.uk/lewis-merthyr-band
Sunday March 17th
Brass & Voices of Wales
Pafiliwn Llangollen Pavilion
Fron Male Choir
Lewis-Merthyr Band
Tickets: £12 / £10 concessions
Children: £5 (first child's ticket FREE)
0333 666 4466
ticketsource.co.uk/lewis-merthyr-band
Our "Brass & Voices of Wales" CD recording with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, is also available to purchase by mail order direct from the band here. The CD is also available to purchase in hard copy or by download from the Welsh Proms here
Six Nations Call Up For LMB
Lewis Merthyr Band were delighted to once again work with the Welsh Rugby Union, performing for the Wales vs England Six Nations Women's Rugby International at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday February 24th. The band performed a selection of pre-match entertainment items and the national anthems, together with the Cardiff Blues Choir, under the collective batons of WRU Director of Music Dr. Hayden James and Lewis Merthyr Musical Director Craig Roberts.
The match and anthem performances were broadcast nationwide on Sky Sports and S4C. For further information, visit
https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/wales-women-vs-england/90940
The match and anthem performances were broadcast nationwide on Sky Sports and S4C. For further information, visit
https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/wales-women-vs-england/90940
Herzlich Willkommen Harald Hepner
We were delighted to welcome Harald Hepner, Principal Conductor of the Stadtorchester and Director of the Musikschule from Rhondda Cynon Taf's twin town of Ravensburg, Germany to the band this week. Herr Hepner led the band through a series of works in rehearsal, before then visiting the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, now Rhondda Heritage Park, and meeting with the Leader and Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council at the Mayor's Parlour in Pontypridd the following day.
Lewis Merthyr looks forward to developing a lasting relationship between the band and both the Stadtorchester & Musikschule together with Harald, and to playing our part in developing and raising awareness of the wider twinning links between Rhondda Cynon Taf and our various twin towns in Germany and France. Further information on developments with the twinning relationship will be posted here soon.
Vielen Dank Harald, wir freuen uns auf ein baldiges wiedersehen - Diolch yn fawr i chi gyd
Lewis Merthyr looks forward to developing a lasting relationship between the band and both the Stadtorchester & Musikschule together with Harald, and to playing our part in developing and raising awareness of the wider twinning links between Rhondda Cynon Taf and our various twin towns in Germany and France. Further information on developments with the twinning relationship will be posted here soon.
Vielen Dank Harald, wir freuen uns auf ein baldiges wiedersehen - Diolch yn fawr i chi gyd
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda - Happy New Year!
A very Happy New Year to all LMB members, friends and followers! The band are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead throughout 2019 with engagements throughout the whole of Wales and beyond. Our full engagements listing to date can be found here The band are also always keen to hear from new venues and partners interested in working with us. To contact the band management to discuss your performance or event, click here
If you'd like to hear the band ahead of our first 2019 events, you can do so online via our online Audio and Video galleries, or our new Brass & Voices of Wales album, featuring the band together with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, is now available for download from the Welsh Proms here Click on the link to download either the full album or individual tracks, or to purchase a copy of the CD, direct from the band, click here
We wish all our friends and followers a super year ahead, and look forward to welcoming you to a Lewis-Merthyr Band event soon
If you'd like to hear the band ahead of our first 2019 events, you can do so online via our online Audio and Video galleries, or our new Brass & Voices of Wales album, featuring the band together with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, is now available for download from the Welsh Proms here Click on the link to download either the full album or individual tracks, or to purchase a copy of the CD, direct from the band, click here
We wish all our friends and followers a super year ahead, and look forward to welcoming you to a Lewis-Merthyr Band event soon
2018 News
The Wonder of Christmas and on to 2019
By the time Christmas Day came around, Lewis-Merthyr Band had undertaken 18 Christmas engagements in and around our local community this December. Among these were two very well-received performances of our festive concert "The Wonder of Christmas" at All Saints, Penarth and St Catherine's, Pontypridd. These took place together with Victoria Voices Children's Choir, Penarth & Llandough Hospital Staff Choir, The Richard Williams Singers and members of Côr Y Cwm. Additional performances included The Christmas Event at Tonyrefail, the 40th Anniversary Concert at Soar Ffrwdanos, Penygraig plus a performance at our local care home Ty Porth and more. The band were also pleased to be able to support a number of other charities this Christmas, raising around £700 for Velindre Cancer Care Centre and the children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.
Our new recording "Brass & Voices of Wales" with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, has also been on sale throughout our Christmas events and has proven very popular indeed. The recording remains available to order online throughout the Christmas break and beyond here
Following a total of 41 engagements undertaken throughout 2018, we'll now be taking a well earned three week rest over Christmas, but the band will be back in rehearsal the first week of January and are looking forward to another great year ahead in 2019.
Our 2019 diary to date is now available to view online here To enquire about engaging the band for your 2019 concert or event, click here New members are also always welcome to join Lewis-Merthyr Band. To enquire about membership for the 2019 season, contact us, in strictest confidence, here
Lewis-Merthyr Band wish all our members, friends and supporters a very Merry Christmas indeed and a happy and prosperous New Year ahead throughout 2019 - Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd
Our new recording "Brass & Voices of Wales" with the massed male choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, conducted by Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, has also been on sale throughout our Christmas events and has proven very popular indeed. The recording remains available to order online throughout the Christmas break and beyond here
Following a total of 41 engagements undertaken throughout 2018, we'll now be taking a well earned three week rest over Christmas, but the band will be back in rehearsal the first week of January and are looking forward to another great year ahead in 2019.
Our 2019 diary to date is now available to view online here To enquire about engaging the band for your 2019 concert or event, click here New members are also always welcome to join Lewis-Merthyr Band. To enquire about membership for the 2019 season, contact us, in strictest confidence, here
Lewis-Merthyr Band wish all our members, friends and supporters a very Merry Christmas indeed and a happy and prosperous New Year ahead throughout 2019 - Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd
Requiescat In Pace John Thomas
Lewis-Merthyr Band is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longstanding LMB member, supporter and friend John Thomas.
John was a colourful character, who will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. He passed away on Monday 10th December at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant.
John started playing in the early 1950's with the Ynyshir Boys Band, and went on to join Ynyshir senior band on BBb bass, the instrument which he continued to played until his retirement.
John joined Lewis-Merthyr Band in 1968 and played with the band at in the Finals of the National Championships of Great Britain in both 1968 and 1969. He is depicted here, front right, ahead of a performance with the band at the Welsh Regional Championships at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.
John always took an active part in the running of both Ynyshir and Lewis-Merthyr Bands and was a great brass band character. He was a Life Member of Lewis-Merthyr and will be greatly missed by all members of the band, and of additional bands across South Wales. Our condolences go out to John's widow Jean and all family.
The band were proud to perform at John's funeral at Glyn Taf, Treforest on Friday December 21st and give thanks for his friendship, loyalty and years of service. Requiescat In Pace John
John was a colourful character, who will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. He passed away on Monday 10th December at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant.
John started playing in the early 1950's with the Ynyshir Boys Band, and went on to join Ynyshir senior band on BBb bass, the instrument which he continued to played until his retirement.
John joined Lewis-Merthyr Band in 1968 and played with the band at in the Finals of the National Championships of Great Britain in both 1968 and 1969. He is depicted here, front right, ahead of a performance with the band at the Welsh Regional Championships at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.
John always took an active part in the running of both Ynyshir and Lewis-Merthyr Bands and was a great brass band character. He was a Life Member of Lewis-Merthyr and will be greatly missed by all members of the band, and of additional bands across South Wales. Our condolences go out to John's widow Jean and all family.
The band were proud to perform at John's funeral at Glyn Taf, Treforest on Friday December 21st and give thanks for his friendship, loyalty and years of service. Requiescat In Pace John
Silver at Gloucester
The band were delighted to compete in the 2018 GBBA Championships at All Saints Academy, Cheltenham where we were awarded Second Prize in both the own choice test-piece & march competitions, plus the award for best percussion section, by Adjudicator David Hirst.
With regular MD Craig Roberts working with the USA’s Atlantic Brass Band at the Brass In Concert Championships in The Sage, Gateshead, the band were delighted to be conducted at the championships by former NYBBW Chair and Head of Gwent Music, Alun F Williams. The band thoroughly enjoyed working with Alun and look forward to doing so again in future.
Huge thanks go to all our members for two very good performances and a super day out at a very well run and enjoyable contest. Diolch yn fawr i bawb
With regular MD Craig Roberts working with the USA’s Atlantic Brass Band at the Brass In Concert Championships in The Sage, Gateshead, the band were delighted to be conducted at the championships by former NYBBW Chair and Head of Gwent Music, Alun F Williams. The band thoroughly enjoyed working with Alun and look forward to doing so again in future.
Huge thanks go to all our members for two very good performances and a super day out at a very well run and enjoyable contest. Diolch yn fawr i bawb
We Will Remember Them
At 11 o'clock, on the 11th day of the 11th month, Lewis-Merthyr Band once again performed in support of Remembrance Day services and parades, at both Bridgend at Tonyrefail.
It absolutely poured with rain at both events, but both band and community turned out to remember the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country, both then and since.
The band were proud to once again be able to support the annual Remembrance Day commemorations in both localities and look forward to doing so again in 2019 and beyond. We Will Remember Them
All Tonyrefail images are courtesy and copyright of Chris Norton Photography
It absolutely poured with rain at both events, but both band and community turned out to remember the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country, both then and since.
The band were proud to once again be able to support the annual Remembrance Day commemorations in both localities and look forward to doing so again in 2019 and beyond. We Will Remember Them
All Tonyrefail images are courtesy and copyright of Chris Norton Photography
Busy Winter Ahead
The band looks forward to a busy close to 2018 with engagements throughout November and December. In November, the band will be supporting the First World War centenary services at both Bridgend and Tonyrefail on Remembrance Day, and will be crossing the Severn Bridge to compete in the 2018 GBBA Championships in Gloucester on Sunday November 18th. December then sees the band supporting a wide range of festive events, including those in support of children's cancer charity Clic Sargent, Velindre Cancer Care and our local care home Ty Porth.
You can see the band in concert in our festive concerts, The Wonder of Christmas on Wednesday December 12th at All Saints Church, Penarth and Thursday December 13th at St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd. Further information and tickets are available in the Engagements section of the website here
You can see the band in concert in our festive concerts, The Wonder of Christmas on Wednesday December 12th at All Saints Church, Penarth and Thursday December 13th at St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd. Further information and tickets are available in the Engagements section of the website here
Rhondda Tunnel Concert
|
On Saturday September 22nd, the band once again joined forces with Pendyrus Male Choir, BBC Wales' Beverley Humphreys and local young performers for the third consecutive Rhondda Tunnel Project Benefit concert at the magnificent Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy.
With LMB Musical Director in Germany, working with the Musikfest der Bundeswehr, the band was conducted at the concert by RAF St Athan Musical Director, Mr Alan Bourne. The band thoroughly enjoyed working with Alan on the performance, which is always an absolute highlight of the band's annual calendar. The concert will saw the first public sales by the band and choir of the new Brass & Voices of Wales CD, recorded by Lewis-Merthyr and the Massed Male Choirs of Pendyrus & Bridgend under the baton of Owain Arwel Hughes CBE in July. The CD is now available from the band by mail order. For full information, please visit the recording section of the website at www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd |
|
Open Doors - Hetty Engine House
Also on Saturday September 22nd, an ensemble from the band performed at the winding engine house of the Great Western Colliery "Hetty" Pit. The house contains the original steam winding engine built by Barker and Cope of Kidsgrove in 1875 and is located alongside the main Rhondda Road between Hopkinstown and Trehafod, near the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery site, now the Welsh Mining Experience, Rhondda Heritage Park. The engine has been restored to working order by volunteers, and the site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is the only large steam engine in Wales currently in working order.
For the Open Doors event, the engine was working on compressed air. Visitors were able to drive the engine under supervision, operate the mechanical and electrical shaft signalling systems, and talk to volunteers about the engine and the history of the colliery, plus of course listen to the band.
Further information on the Hetty Open Day can be found at cadw.gov.wales An additional Open Day will follow in September 2019. The external site can be viewed all year round at Hetty Colliery Site, Gyfeillion Road, Hopkinstown, Pontypridd, ST09 055 909
Getting there:
Take A4058 from Pontypridd, engine house is 1 mile out of town on right hand side. Parking opposite at Barry Sidings Country Park. Rhondda buses are available from Pontypridd bus station. The nearest railway station is Trehafod
For the Open Doors event, the engine was working on compressed air. Visitors were able to drive the engine under supervision, operate the mechanical and electrical shaft signalling systems, and talk to volunteers about the engine and the history of the colliery, plus of course listen to the band.
Further information on the Hetty Open Day can be found at cadw.gov.wales An additional Open Day will follow in September 2019. The external site can be viewed all year round at Hetty Colliery Site, Gyfeillion Road, Hopkinstown, Pontypridd, ST09 055 909
Getting there:
Take A4058 from Pontypridd, engine house is 1 mile out of town on right hand side. Parking opposite at Barry Sidings Country Park. Rhondda buses are available from Pontypridd bus station. The nearest railway station is Trehafod
National Eisteddfod of Wales
The band had a tremendous time performing on the stage of the iconic Donald Gordon Theatre at the Wales Millennium Centre in the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The performance was also televised nationally on S4C and Sky television and follows in a series of high profile performances for the band, which includes our Cwm Rhondda broadcast with Sir Bryn Terfel (which was screened again on Friday night ahead of the Eisteddfod opening), our performance for a record Pro-14 crowd at Judgement Day in the Principality Stadium, and the band's recent appearance at the Welsh Proms in the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff.
Part of the band’s performance at the National Eisteddfod can be viewed online at the S4C website from 1:23:00 into the following link http://www.s4c.cymru/clic/programme/799512282 with images from the performance available in the Gallery section of the website here
If you’re visiting the Eisteddfod this week also, don’t forget that our new CD “Brass & Voices of Wales” with Owain Arwel Hughes CBE and the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus is available throughout the week exclusively from the Harp Studio inside the Norwegian Church. For further information, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/CD
Part of the band’s performance at the National Eisteddfod can be viewed online at the S4C website from 1:23:00 into the following link http://www.s4c.cymru/clic/programme/799512282 with images from the performance available in the Gallery section of the website here
If you’re visiting the Eisteddfod this week also, don’t forget that our new CD “Brass & Voices of Wales” with Owain Arwel Hughes CBE and the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus is available throughout the week exclusively from the Harp Studio inside the Norwegian Church. For further information, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/CD
Welsh Proms Cymru - St David's Hall, Cardiff
The band had an incredible time performing at the Welsh Proms this summer. Lewis-Merthyr appeared in Massed Bands together with RAF St Athan Band, under the baton of the doyen of Welsh conductors, Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
Along with compere, BBC Wales' Beverley Humphreys, and the 250 voice massed male choirs of Bridgend, Cwmbach. Morlais and Pontarddulais, the massed band and Dr. Arwel Hughes wowed the audience of c.1100 people gathered in the national concert hall, St David's Hall, Cardiff, with a selection of Welsh favourites and orchestral transcriptions, which included Walton: Crown Imperial, Stravinsky: The Firebird and Respighi: The Pines of Rome.
Both bands, the massed choirs and audience had an absolutely tremendous evening, which closed in a deserved standing ovation for the assembled cast at this, Wales' national classical music festival.
Further information on the Welsh Proms is available at the Proms own website www.welshproms.com with images and video excerpts from the evening available at the Welsh Proms and Lewis-Merthyr Band Facebook sites. Additional images are also available in the Gallery section of the website here
The 2019 Welsh Proms will take place from July 20th to 27th 2019 at St David's Hall, with full details of the 2019 programme and artists available following the 2019 media launch which will take place at 12:00 noon on St David's Day, Friday March 1st at the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff.
A recording of many of the items performed at the 2019 Welsh Proms, entitled "Brass & Voices of Wales" is now available by mail order from the Welsh Proms, or from the band direct. For full information visit the CD section of the website here
Along with compere, BBC Wales' Beverley Humphreys, and the 250 voice massed male choirs of Bridgend, Cwmbach. Morlais and Pontarddulais, the massed band and Dr. Arwel Hughes wowed the audience of c.1100 people gathered in the national concert hall, St David's Hall, Cardiff, with a selection of Welsh favourites and orchestral transcriptions, which included Walton: Crown Imperial, Stravinsky: The Firebird and Respighi: The Pines of Rome.
Both bands, the massed choirs and audience had an absolutely tremendous evening, which closed in a deserved standing ovation for the assembled cast at this, Wales' national classical music festival.
Further information on the Welsh Proms is available at the Proms own website www.welshproms.com with images and video excerpts from the evening available at the Welsh Proms and Lewis-Merthyr Band Facebook sites. Additional images are also available in the Gallery section of the website here
The 2019 Welsh Proms will take place from July 20th to 27th 2019 at St David's Hall, with full details of the 2019 programme and artists available following the 2019 media launch which will take place at 12:00 noon on St David's Day, Friday March 1st at the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff.
A recording of many of the items performed at the 2019 Welsh Proms, entitled "Brass & Voices of Wales" is now available by mail order from the Welsh Proms, or from the band direct. For full information visit the CD section of the website here
In Concert This Summer
|
|
|
Lewis-Merthyr Band will feature in a trio of exciting performances this summer.
Firstly, on Wednesday July 25th, Lewis-Merthyr will feature at the Welsh Proms, Wales' national classical music festival, at the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff. The band will feature in the central Brass & Voices Prom together with the 250 voice Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend, Cwmbach, Morlais & Pontarddulais, plus RAF St Athan Band. The concert will be conducted by the renowned orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
On Thursday July 26th, we'll then be celebrating 50 years of international twinning between Rhondda Cynon Taf and Nürtingen, Germany, plus 25 years of twinning with Ravensburg, Wolfenbüttel and Montélimar, France in a Brass & Voices concert with Pontypridd Male Choir & The Glam Youth Choir at St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd.
Finally, the band will then close off the summer with a grand scale Movies, Musicals & More! event together with Massed Male Choir & Soloists Ashley Richards & Joanne Huxton in the fantastic setting of the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, Rhondda Heritage Park on Sunday August 26th.
Tickets for all events are available via the links below. Be sure not to miss these incredible summer performances!
Welsh Proms Cymru: Brass & Voices
Wednesday July 25th
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Box Office: 02920 878 444
www.welshproms.com/events
RCT Twinning Association: Brass & Voices
Thursday July 26th
St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd
Box Office: 01443 424 015
www.twinningrct.eventbrite.co.uk
Movies, Musicals & More!
Sunday August 26th
Rhondda Heritage Park
Box Office: 01443 682 036
www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Tourism/RhonddaHeritagePark/Events/MusicInThePark2018
Firstly, on Wednesday July 25th, Lewis-Merthyr will feature at the Welsh Proms, Wales' national classical music festival, at the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff. The band will feature in the central Brass & Voices Prom together with the 250 voice Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend, Cwmbach, Morlais & Pontarddulais, plus RAF St Athan Band. The concert will be conducted by the renowned orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
On Thursday July 26th, we'll then be celebrating 50 years of international twinning between Rhondda Cynon Taf and Nürtingen, Germany, plus 25 years of twinning with Ravensburg, Wolfenbüttel and Montélimar, France in a Brass & Voices concert with Pontypridd Male Choir & The Glam Youth Choir at St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd.
Finally, the band will then close off the summer with a grand scale Movies, Musicals & More! event together with Massed Male Choir & Soloists Ashley Richards & Joanne Huxton in the fantastic setting of the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, Rhondda Heritage Park on Sunday August 26th.
Tickets for all events are available via the links below. Be sure not to miss these incredible summer performances!
Welsh Proms Cymru: Brass & Voices
Wednesday July 25th
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Box Office: 02920 878 444
www.welshproms.com/events
RCT Twinning Association: Brass & Voices
Thursday July 26th
St Catherine's Church, Pontypridd
Box Office: 01443 424 015
www.twinningrct.eventbrite.co.uk
Movies, Musicals & More!
Sunday August 26th
Rhondda Heritage Park
Box Office: 01443 682 036
www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Tourism/RhonddaHeritagePark/Events/MusicInThePark2018
Brass & Voices of Wales
|
Our new CD recording "Brass & Voices of Wales" 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 the doyen of Welsh orchestral conductors, Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
The disc features much of Wales’ most beloved music, together with the premiere recording of a new work by Dr. Christopher Wood, entitled and dedicated to the memory of Aberfan; Gareth Wood’s scintillating creative arrangement of Sosban Fach; the miners' hymn “Gresford”, music from the iconic Hollywood movie “Zulu” and many more. |
|
The Brass & Voices of Wales recording will be available for purchase at the Welsh Proms events in St David's Hall, Cardiff from July 21st to 28th The band and Bridgend Choir will feature in the Brass & Voices Prom on Wednesday July 25th. For further information on the Welsh Proms and the Brass & Voices event, visit www.welshproms.com/events
Full information on the new Brass & Voices of Wales CD can be found here
Full information on the new Brass & Voices of Wales CD can be found here
LMB to feature at the Welsh Proms!
|
Following the incredibly successful CD recording recently undertaken by the band with Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes and Massed Male Choir, Lewis-Merthyr Band has now been invited to feature in and perform at the 2018 Welsh Proms, held in the national concert hall of Wales, St. David’s Hall, Cardiff.
Now entering it’s 33rd consecutive season, the Proms - Wales’ national classical music festival - consists of a week long series of grand scale concerts, which this year will also feature the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Welsh National Opera Orchestra, together with star soloists Shân Cothi, Robert Court, Claire Jones & John Owen-Jones. Lewis-Merthyr will feature in the central Brass & Voices Prom, in a special First World War and RAF 100 themed version of the event, which will also feature 200 voice Massed Male Choir and the Massed Bands of Lewis-Merthyr & RAF St Athan. |
Tickets for the event, which takes place on Wednesday July 25th are now available from the St David’s Hall Box Office on 02920 878 444 For full information, or to book online, visit www.welshproms.com/events
Tonyrefail Summer Concert
|
The band recently enjoyed a delightful concert in the local area, supporting the Summer Concert at Tonyrefail School, on Tuesday June 12th. There Lewis-Merthyr performed together with young soloists and the two school choirs, directed by Miss Joanne Huxton and accompanied by Mr Ben Davies at the piano.
The band highly value our close relationship with the school, and from September, we're delighted to be expanding offering brass tuition opportunities to Year 4 pupils at the school, inspiring the next generation of brass playing in the area. |
|
New LMB Recording - Brass & Voices of Wales
|
The band recently enjoyed a tremendous weekend in the recording studio together with the doyen of Welsh conductors, the renowned orchestral conductor Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. The resultant recording will be a disc of wholly Welsh music which also features our good friends from Pendyrus & Bridgend Male Choirs. The album is set for release in association with the Welsh Proms this summer!
We had a tremendous time making the disc and would like to thank all our good friends who performed with us, the choirs, Dr. Arwel Hughes and also Phil Hardiman, Tim A. Duncan and our MD Craig Roberts for producing this weekend. We’d also particularly like to thank each and every one of our members for all their incredible hard work both on the 12 hours of recording this weekend, and all the advance rehearsals & preparations. We’re thoroughly looking forward to hearing the end result - and hope you are too! Watch this space for further information soon... |
|
Heritage Park & Merthyr Rising
Across the May bank holiday weekend, the band performed for both a wedding at the newly renovated Heritage Park Hotel, and the opening Red Flag March on the final day of the Merthyr Rising Festival. The band were delighted to support both events, and look forward to returning to the Heritage Park for a grand scale version of our "Movies, Musicals & More!" concert with Massed Male Choir and solo artists on Sunday August 26th. For further information and tickets for the event, visit the Engagements section of the website here. To engage the band for your performance or event, contact us here
Brass & Voices in support of the Mayor's charities
|
On Thursday May 10th, the band were delighted to perform in concert at St John's Church, Cymmer, together with our good friends from Cambrian Male Choir, in aid of the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf's charities.
Over £400 was raised through the concert, which will now be donated to 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). The current Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf is Cllr Margaret Tegg, who has been the elected County Borough Councillor for local Cymmer ward since 2008. Cllr Tegg worked in the nursing profession and retail sector for many years. Now retired, she is a member of the Porth Cluster Communities First, a governor at Ysgol Gyfun Cymer Rhondda and Chair of the governing body at Cymmer Junior School. |
|
At the concert, the Mayor also presented Lewis-Merthyr Musical Director Craig Roberts with the the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf's Good Citizen Award for Artistic Achievement and services to music, the arts and education in Rhondda Cynon Taf over many years.
The band now look forward to supporting additional events in the local area this summer, with four major concerts scheduled between June and September. |
|
Further information on all the band's forthcoming events can be found in the Engagements area of the website here
Judgement Day
The band had an incredible time performing for a huge crowd of 62,338 Pro14 fans at the Principality Stadium for Judgement Day VI.
Huge thanks go to all our members for two super performances at the stadium, and a solid 5th place at the SEWBBA Championships later that evening, the band's first performance in the elite Championship section in over 20 years!
Our thanks go to WRU Director of Music Dr. Haydn James, the massed club choirs & all at the Welsh Rugby Union for another fantastic welcome at the national stadium. We look forward to returning for another event again soon.
A series of images from the day can found below with additional images available in the Gallery section of the website here, while the current SEWBBA rankings can be found below.
If you would like to engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your concert or event, or wish to enquire about membership of the band - we are always keen to welcome new members to the team - then to contact us, please click here
Huge thanks go to all our members for two super performances at the stadium, and a solid 5th place at the SEWBBA Championships later that evening, the band's first performance in the elite Championship section in over 20 years!
Our thanks go to WRU Director of Music Dr. Haydn James, the massed club choirs & all at the Welsh Rugby Union for another fantastic welcome at the national stadium. We look forward to returning for another event again soon.
A series of images from the day can found below with additional images available in the Gallery section of the website here, while the current SEWBBA rankings can be found below.
If you would like to engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your concert or event, or wish to enquire about membership of the band - we are always keen to welcome new members to the team - then to contact us, please click here
|
2018 Welsh League Championships
Championship Section Current Rankings 1. Ebbw Valley 2. Pontarddulais 3. Tylorstown 4. Markham & District 5. Lewis-Merthyr 6- City of Cardiff 6- Goodwick 6- Llwydcoed 6- Parc & Dare 6- Tongwynlais |
|
Man Engine Cymru
In mid-April, Lewis-Merthyr Band were delighted to support two events at Cyfartha Castle and Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd during the South Wales tour of the Man Engine.
Powered by Volvo, Man Engine is the largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain. The 11.2m 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, who has worked with the Welsh National Opera, BBC NOW & 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 website here
Powered by Volvo, Man Engine is the largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain. The 11.2m 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, who has worked with the Welsh National Opera, BBC NOW & 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 website here
Judgement Day
Lewis-Merthyr will be returning to once again perform at the national stadium for Judgement Day, the sixth annual regional double-header at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. The event will take place on the afternoon of Saturday 28th April (KOs 15.05 & 17:35), and is the final weekend of Guinness PRO14 Championship action before the knock-out stages.
The band are delighted to once again be supporting the event, performing together with the massed club choirs, under the direction of WRU Director of Music Dr. Haydn James.
The Principality Stadium has had a magnificent year, even by its own standards, hosting a sold-out Champions League Final and a world record indoor heavy-weight boxing crowd watching Anthony Joshua's world title defence just two of the highlights. Welsh rugby is going from strength to strength too, with the international side's Under Armour Series breaking records with two sell-outs on the cards (against New Zealand and Australia) this past autumn.
Healthy attendances have been seen at the four professional teams in both the Guinness PRO14 and European Rugby this season - with total attendances up by over 10,000 from the same point last season and crowds at the popular Welsh derby contests also higher than last year.
Prices for the Judgement Day have once again been frozen at £10-per-head for any seat in the ground at the derby day which sees the Dragons take on the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues face the Ospreys in back-to-back clashes in the capital. Over 170,000 fans have attended Judgement Day across three years alone, and a record attendance for any match involving a regional team was set in 2016 - which the band also performed for - when 68,262 people watched the Ospreys beat the Blues 27-40, followed by a Scarlets' 20-34 victory over the Dragons.
A major highlight of the Guinness PRO14 Championship season, Judgement Day will this year see the Scarlets and the Dragons kick off proceedings for the first time since year one (2013), on Saturday 28th April (KO 15.05hrs). The second fixture of the day sees the Blues take on the Ospreys (KO 17.35hrs).
Last season Cardiff Blues triumphed over the Ospreys for the first time at the event 35-17 and the Dragons went down to their West Wales rivals a close-fought 16-21 in the second game of the day. Regrettably the band won't get to see the second match, as - immediately after the second kick off - we'll be crossing the city to participate in the 2018 SEWBBA Championships, the band's first appearance in the championship section at the contest since 1998!
"Judgement Day has become a must-see, must-visit fixture in the Welsh sporting calendar," said WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips.
"It's a true celebration of the very best of Welsh rugby when our international stars and their teammates come together under one roof to compete against each other in regional colours.
"It is a unique event which the players, coaches and supporters all look forward to in equal measure and we are set for another exciting day out at Principality Stadium on 28th April."
Tickets are on-sale now at Amazon tickets (click here), from www.wru.wales/tickets or via each of the four regions. Season ticket holders for the Cardiff Blues and the Dragons should contact their respective ticket office to gain
access to JDVI. Prices are £10 for each seat in the ground with a £1-per-ticket online booking fee, as well as postage, payable at the time of purchase.
Mark Davies, Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales, which represents the four professional rugby teams said: "This season our double derby day at the national stadium will be the finale to the conference stages of the PRO14, so it will be an even bigger occasion for our rugby teams, players and supporters. The Judgement Day games will have so much on them with PRO14 Final series places or European Champions Cup play-off places potentially at stake - so critical for our teams and will be highly competitive rugby fixtures. Once again we are looking forward to this successful rugby spectacle in the capital which attracts wider audiences and one we are all proud to be a part of in partnership."
Cardiff Blues coach, Danny Wilson said: "Derby matches are always the games we all look forward to in a season, but to finish the PRO14 fixtures with Judgement Day will be particularly exciting for all involved."
Dragons coach Bernard Jackman, said: "It will be my first Judgement Day event, but I've heard great things. There is obviously a lot of rugby to be played between now and then but it's an event we are all looking forward to."
For further information on Judgement Day, visit www.wru.co.uk Images of the band performing at Judgement Day 2016 can be found in the Gallery section of the website here
The band are delighted to once again be supporting the event, performing together with the massed club choirs, under the direction of WRU Director of Music Dr. Haydn James.
The Principality Stadium has had a magnificent year, even by its own standards, hosting a sold-out Champions League Final and a world record indoor heavy-weight boxing crowd watching Anthony Joshua's world title defence just two of the highlights. Welsh rugby is going from strength to strength too, with the international side's Under Armour Series breaking records with two sell-outs on the cards (against New Zealand and Australia) this past autumn.
Healthy attendances have been seen at the four professional teams in both the Guinness PRO14 and European Rugby this season - with total attendances up by over 10,000 from the same point last season and crowds at the popular Welsh derby contests also higher than last year.
Prices for the Judgement Day have once again been frozen at £10-per-head for any seat in the ground at the derby day which sees the Dragons take on the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues face the Ospreys in back-to-back clashes in the capital. Over 170,000 fans have attended Judgement Day across three years alone, and a record attendance for any match involving a regional team was set in 2016 - which the band also performed for - when 68,262 people watched the Ospreys beat the Blues 27-40, followed by a Scarlets' 20-34 victory over the Dragons.
A major highlight of the Guinness PRO14 Championship season, Judgement Day will this year see the Scarlets and the Dragons kick off proceedings for the first time since year one (2013), on Saturday 28th April (KO 15.05hrs). The second fixture of the day sees the Blues take on the Ospreys (KO 17.35hrs).
Last season Cardiff Blues triumphed over the Ospreys for the first time at the event 35-17 and the Dragons went down to their West Wales rivals a close-fought 16-21 in the second game of the day. Regrettably the band won't get to see the second match, as - immediately after the second kick off - we'll be crossing the city to participate in the 2018 SEWBBA Championships, the band's first appearance in the championship section at the contest since 1998!
"Judgement Day has become a must-see, must-visit fixture in the Welsh sporting calendar," said WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips.
"It's a true celebration of the very best of Welsh rugby when our international stars and their teammates come together under one roof to compete against each other in regional colours.
"It is a unique event which the players, coaches and supporters all look forward to in equal measure and we are set for another exciting day out at Principality Stadium on 28th April."
Tickets are on-sale now at Amazon tickets (click here), from www.wru.wales/tickets or via each of the four regions. Season ticket holders for the Cardiff Blues and the Dragons should contact their respective ticket office to gain
access to JDVI. Prices are £10 for each seat in the ground with a £1-per-ticket online booking fee, as well as postage, payable at the time of purchase.
Mark Davies, Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales, which represents the four professional rugby teams said: "This season our double derby day at the national stadium will be the finale to the conference stages of the PRO14, so it will be an even bigger occasion for our rugby teams, players and supporters. The Judgement Day games will have so much on them with PRO14 Final series places or European Champions Cup play-off places potentially at stake - so critical for our teams and will be highly competitive rugby fixtures. Once again we are looking forward to this successful rugby spectacle in the capital which attracts wider audiences and one we are all proud to be a part of in partnership."
Cardiff Blues coach, Danny Wilson said: "Derby matches are always the games we all look forward to in a season, but to finish the PRO14 fixtures with Judgement Day will be particularly exciting for all involved."
Dragons coach Bernard Jackman, said: "It will be my first Judgement Day event, but I've heard great things. There is obviously a lot of rugby to be played between now and then but it's an event we are all looking forward to."
For further information on Judgement Day, visit www.wru.co.uk Images of the band performing at Judgement Day 2016 can be found in the Gallery section of the website here
Musical March
Lewis-Merthyr enjoyed a busy month in March with a series of engagements across South Wales. Saturday March 17th saw the band perform James Curnow's Brass Metamorphosis at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea as part of the 2018 Welsh Regional Championships, and also enjoy rehearsal at the delightful Patti Pavilion. The band also featured in a major Voices & Brass concert with the Richard Williams Singers & Gentlemen Songsters at Llantrisant Parish Church on Friday March 23rd in aid of the Llantrisant Guildhall Restoration Project.
The band also undertook two ensemble engagements at the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, now Rhondda Heritage Park, participating in their "Musical March" series on Saturday March 24th and at Coed Hills, St Hilary, Vale of Glamorgan on Sunday March 25th.
Regrettably the band's St David's Day concert on Thursday March 1st had to be postponed due to extreme inclement weather, however the rescheduled concert with now take place at our home venue St Johns Church, Cymmer together with our good friends of Cambrian Male Choir on Thursday May 10th.
For the band's full list of engagements or further information on the above, visit the Engagements section of the website here If you would like to engage the band or brass ensemble for your concert or event, please contact us here
The band also undertook two ensemble engagements at the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, now Rhondda Heritage Park, participating in their "Musical March" series on Saturday March 24th and at Coed Hills, St Hilary, Vale of Glamorgan on Sunday March 25th.
Regrettably the band's St David's Day concert on Thursday March 1st had to be postponed due to extreme inclement weather, however the rescheduled concert with now take place at our home venue St Johns Church, Cymmer together with our good friends of Cambrian Male Choir on Thursday May 10th.
For the band's full list of engagements or further information on the above, visit the Engagements section of the website here If you would like to engage the band or brass ensemble for your concert or event, please contact us here
Parading For Royalty
The band has recently discovered Pathe newsreel footage of the Cymmer Military Band parading for a visit of HRH Edward, Prince Of Wales, later King Edward VIII, to Rhondda on 7th December 1932. The band can be clearly seen - and heard! - c.0:55 seconds into the video, as they parade past HRH performing "Land of Hope & Glory".
An article in Wright & Round's Brass Band News of January 1933 confirms that the band is indeed the Cymmer Band, confirmed by a news report of the January 1933 edition http://usir.salford.ac.uk/45821/1/Brass_Band_News_1933_01.pdf
In a letter to Paul Williams and the band of March 1976, Muriel Amy Martyn, daughter of Mr G. F. Martyn, relates a tale of the visit, whereupon His Royal Highness, on seeing the band, remarks to his host, Colonel David Watts Morgan, "That's a damn fine band - who is it?". The quote is now included in the band's biography.
Colonel Watts Morgan incidentally was a leading Welsh trade unionist, Labour politician, and a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1918 to 1933. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for bravery at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, when - after being added to his already burgeoning CBE DSO MP JP - earned him the nickname of "Dai Alphabet" in South Wales[*]
The link to the footage can be found in the Video section of the band website here Additional information on the History of the band can be found here while additional Historical Images of the band can be found here
An article in Wright & Round's Brass Band News of January 1933 confirms that the band is indeed the Cymmer Band, confirmed by a news report of the January 1933 edition http://usir.salford.ac.uk/45821/1/Brass_Band_News_1933_01.pdf
In a letter to Paul Williams and the band of March 1976, Muriel Amy Martyn, daughter of Mr G. F. Martyn, relates a tale of the visit, whereupon His Royal Highness, on seeing the band, remarks to his host, Colonel David Watts Morgan, "That's a damn fine band - who is it?". The quote is now included in the band's biography.
Colonel Watts Morgan incidentally was a leading Welsh trade unionist, Labour politician, and a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1918 to 1933. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for bravery at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, when - after being added to his already burgeoning CBE DSO MP JP - earned him the nickname of "Dai Alphabet" in South Wales[*]
The link to the footage can be found in the Video section of the band website here Additional information on the History of the band can be found here while additional Historical Images of the band can be found here
Brass & Voices for St David's Day POSTPONED
|
On Thursday March 1st the band were due to undertake a St David's Day Concert together with Cambrian Male Choir, in aid of the Mayor's Charities at St John's Church, Cymmer. Due to the severe inclement weather across Wales that week however, the concert regrettably had to be postponed.
The performance has now been rescheduled for Thursday May 10th. Tickets will be available online, and from St John's Church from Sunday March 24th. |
|
LMB Heritage
The band are currently undertaking research into the history of Lewis-Merthyr Band. While previously thought to be founded in or around 1880, recent research can currently date the band back to 1855 or possibly before.
Links to online historical documents featuring Lewis-Merthyr Band, and our antecedents Cymmer Colliery, Cymmer Military and Hafod Rechabite / Lewis-Merthyr Temperance Band can now be found in the new History section of the website, while a list of the eminent conductors the band has worked with over the past 150 years can be found here
Additional pages have also been added featuring the band's previous Broadcasts and Commissions together with a gallery of Historical Images of the band throughout the past 150 years.
We are always keen to hear from anyone who may have information on any period in the band's history, and particularly any images, recordings, footage or artefacts related to the band. If you would like to contact us, please email us here
A recently digitised recording of the band from the BBC Best of Brass television programme in 1986 can be found below. For additional tracks, both current and archive, visit our online Audio and Video galleries
Links to online historical documents featuring Lewis-Merthyr Band, and our antecedents Cymmer Colliery, Cymmer Military and Hafod Rechabite / Lewis-Merthyr Temperance Band can now be found in the new History section of the website, while a list of the eminent conductors the band has worked with over the past 150 years can be found here
Additional pages have also been added featuring the band's previous Broadcasts and Commissions together with a gallery of Historical Images of the band throughout the past 150 years.
We are always keen to hear from anyone who may have information on any period in the band's history, and particularly any images, recordings, footage or artefacts related to the band. If you would like to contact us, please email us here
A recently digitised recording of the band from the BBC Best of Brass television programme in 1986 can be found below. For additional tracks, both current and archive, visit our online Audio and Video galleries
Brian Paull Immortalised By Bagsy
Lewis-Merthyr's own Brian Paull has been immortalised on "canvas" by the anonymous artist Bagsy. The Rhondda's own guerilla street artist - who models himself on the infamous Banksy - has captured images of a wide range of famous Rhondda and Welsh personalities, sketching them on supermarket carrier bags, which are then deposited anonymously in stores across the county borough for customers to discover. Personalities captured so far include Pontypridd born Sir Tom Jones, Ferndale born Zulu star Stanley Baker - and now Lewis-Merthyr's Brian Paull!
The excellent sketch of Brian is based on an image from a recent photoshoot which members of the band undertook with photographer Elijah Thomas, the full selection of which can be found in the Gallery section of the website here The Bagsy recreation was revealed on the artist's social media accounts on Wednesday January 18th with the caption "Brian Paull, the oldest member of Rhondda's oldest brass band, Lewis-Merthyr".
Brian is delighted to be featured in the artwork and, thanks to the artist's generosity, the original image is now en route to the band to be preserved in the Lewis-Merthyr collection of memorabilia amassed through 150 years of music-making in Rhondda.
The band offer our sincere thanks to Bagsy for including Brian and the band in his artwork. Further information on Bagsy can be found at his Facebook and Twitter accounts, numerous national press articles on his work and this BBC feature. Diolch yn fawr Bagsy
The excellent sketch of Brian is based on an image from a recent photoshoot which members of the band undertook with photographer Elijah Thomas, the full selection of which can be found in the Gallery section of the website here The Bagsy recreation was revealed on the artist's social media accounts on Wednesday January 18th with the caption "Brian Paull, the oldest member of Rhondda's oldest brass band, Lewis-Merthyr".
Brian is delighted to be featured in the artwork and, thanks to the artist's generosity, the original image is now en route to the band to be preserved in the Lewis-Merthyr collection of memorabilia amassed through 150 years of music-making in Rhondda.
The band offer our sincere thanks to Bagsy for including Brian and the band in his artwork. Further information on Bagsy can be found at his Facebook and Twitter accounts, numerous national press articles on his work and this BBC feature. Diolch yn fawr Bagsy
Bagsy images of Stanley Baker, Sophie Evans & Sir Tom Jones. For additional images, visit www.facebook.com/iambagsy
Happy New Year - New Members!
Lewis-Merthyr extends a warm new year welcome to new members for 2018, Jeremy Davies, Gemma Davies, James Davies and Alex Wellock. Husband and wife team Jeremy & Gemma hail from Ammanford, West Wales and join the band on Soprano Cornet and Horn respectively, while James is a respected peripatetic brass teacher with Gwent Music and joins the band on solo Eb Bass, together with Alex, a student at the University of South Wales, who joins the percussion team. The band is delighted to welcome all four new members to LMB.
Lewis-Merthyr is always keen to hear from new members, particularly on Solo Cornet and Bb Bass at present, while seat share options also exist in other sections and is an option for heavily committed individuals. Rehearsals are held twice weekly on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 8:00 to 9:45pm and guest players are always welcome.
The band looks forward to another busy and rewarding concert & contest schedule for 2018 and also offers a welcoming social side, beginning with our Band Dinner on Saturday January 27th at the Grandstand Lounge, Pontyridd RFC. For the band's full 2018 engagements diary to date, click here
For further information on membership of the band, or to engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your concert or event, contact us here
Lewis-Merthyr is always keen to hear from new members, particularly on Solo Cornet and Bb Bass at present, while seat share options also exist in other sections and is an option for heavily committed individuals. Rehearsals are held twice weekly on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 8:00 to 9:45pm and guest players are always welcome.
The band looks forward to another busy and rewarding concert & contest schedule for 2018 and also offers a welcoming social side, beginning with our Band Dinner on Saturday January 27th at the Grandstand Lounge, Pontyridd RFC. For the band's full 2018 engagements diary to date, click here
For further information on membership of the band, or to engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your concert or event, contact us here
Heritage Project Photoshoot
Several members of the band opened 2018 with a photo shoot at the former Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, now Rhondda Heritage Park, as part of a project being undertaken by photographer Elijah Thomas, capturing iconic images of Rhondda.
Participating in the shoot were two of the band's longest serving members, Brian Paull & Paul Williams (who between them hold over a century of membership of Lewis-Merthyr Band) plus two of our younger members, Rhiannon Griffiths & Laura Pegg.
The resultant images, courtesy of Elijah, can be found in the Gallery section of the website here together with the main image featured below. The band offer our thanks to Elijah for these superb images and including the band in the project
Participating in the shoot were two of the band's longest serving members, Brian Paull & Paul Williams (who between them hold over a century of membership of Lewis-Merthyr Band) plus two of our younger members, Rhiannon Griffiths & Laura Pegg.
The resultant images, courtesy of Elijah, can be found in the Gallery section of the website here together with the main image featured below. The band offer our thanks to Elijah for these superb images and including the band in the project
2017 News
Christmas Day Broadcast
On Christmas Day, Lewis-Merthyr featured in a nationwide 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 John Hughes' Cwm Rhondda. The arrangement for brass was specially transcribed for the band & Sir Bryn by Welsh composer Christopher Painter, and features an "amen" ending written by the composer's son, the famous orchestral conductor Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
The programme was broadcast on S4C at 21:00 on Christmas Day and remains available to view for a further 30 days online here The excerpt featuring the Cwm Rhondda performance can be found below.
Lewis-Merthyr Band wish all our 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
The programme was broadcast on S4C at 21:00 on Christmas Day and remains available to view for a further 30 days online here The excerpt featuring the Cwm Rhondda performance can be found below.
Lewis-Merthyr Band wish all our 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
2017 Welsh League Champions
Lewis-Merthyr Band are the 2017 Welsh League First Section Champions! The band were awarded the prestigious Ruby Protheroe Memorial Trophy for the Champion Band of Wales in Section 1 for the first time in twenty one years following the band's success in the three Welsh League championship contests held across Wales throughout the calendar year.
Lewis-Merthyr ended the year with a clear three place lead over the second placed band, and this bring to a close a very successful season for the band following our earlier success in winning the WWBBA Championship in early October and being placed Runner-Up SEWBBA Champions in the final contest of the year at the end of November.
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to closing off the year with a busy festive season and look forward to an equally successful year in 2018 on the contest and concert stage. The band's full diary for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018 can be found here
If you would be interested in engaging either the full band or one of our smaller ensembles for your performance or event, please contact us here The band are also always keen to hear from prospective new members. If you would be keen to seek membership of Lewis-Merthyr or join us for a rehearsal, please contact us here
Lewis-Merthyr ended the year with a clear three place lead over the second placed band, and this bring to a close a very successful season for the band following our earlier success in winning the WWBBA Championship in early October and being placed Runner-Up SEWBBA Champions in the final contest of the year at the end of November.
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to closing off the year with a busy festive season and look forward to an equally successful year in 2018 on the contest and concert stage. The band's full diary for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018 can be found here
If you would be interested in engaging either the full band or one of our smaller ensembles for your performance or event, please contact us here The band are also always keen to hear from prospective new members. If you would be keen to seek membership of Lewis-Merthyr or join us for a rehearsal, please contact us here
LMB at Christmas
|
Lewis-Merthyr Band enjoyed a busy December, undertaking a series of engagements across South Wales throughout December.
From Insole Court Mansion to Llantrisant Castle, the full range of the band's festive events can be found in the Engagements section of the website at www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements Additional highlights of the festive calendar also included our annual concert at St John's Church, Cymmer, where this year we shared the stage with Ogmore Valley Male Choir, and our final full band performance of the year, the very moving Christmas Service at Coychurch Crematorium. Lewis-Merthyr Band will close the year with a Christmas Day television broadcast featuring the band performing together with the internationally renowned bass baritone Sir Bryn Terfel. The broadcast will be screened at 9:00pm on S4C |
Brass & Voices at Treorchy & Tondu
The band recently undertook two of our popular Brass & Voices performances together with our good friends at Pendyrus Male Choir and Bois Goetre-Hen a'r Cylch.
The first was held at the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy on Tuesday November 7th, once again raising funds for the Rhondda Tunnel project. In addition to Lewis-Merthyr and Pendyrus, the performance also featured BBC Radio Wales' Beverley Humphreys, Cor Y Cym, Treorchy Comprehensive School Choir and soloist Sydney Richards was tremendously received by the large and appreciative audience in attendance.
The second was held at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, Tondu with Bois Goetre-Hen a'r Cylch on Saturday November 18th. The band were delighted to share the stage with Bois Goetre-Hen once again and thrilled with the very warm welcome and standing ovation received.
The band are now planning additional band & choir concerts in 2018. To contact us in regard to a potential engagement, visit the contact section of our website www.lewismerthyrband.com/contact
For details of the band's forthcoming Christmas engagements series taking place throughout December, visit
www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
The first was held at the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy on Tuesday November 7th, once again raising funds for the Rhondda Tunnel project. In addition to Lewis-Merthyr and Pendyrus, the performance also featured BBC Radio Wales' Beverley Humphreys, Cor Y Cym, Treorchy Comprehensive School Choir and soloist Sydney Richards was tremendously received by the large and appreciative audience in attendance.
The second was held at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, Tondu with Bois Goetre-Hen a'r Cylch on Saturday November 18th. The band were delighted to share the stage with Bois Goetre-Hen once again and thrilled with the very warm welcome and standing ovation received.
The band are now planning additional band & choir concerts in 2018. To contact us in regard to a potential engagement, visit the contact section of our website www.lewismerthyrband.com/contact
For details of the band's forthcoming Christmas engagements series taking place throughout December, visit
www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
We Will Remember Them
On Sunday November 12th, Lewis-Merthyr Band once again performed in support of Remembrance Day services and parades, this year in Bridgend, Tonyrefail & Penarth.
The band were delighted to once again be able to support the annual Remembrance Day commemorations and look forward to doing so again in 2018 and beyond. We Will Remember Them
The band were delighted to once again be able to support the annual Remembrance Day commemorations and look forward to doing so again in 2018 and beyond. We Will Remember Them
Band Cymru Recording
|
|
The band were delighted to undertake a recording session with Rondo Media for S4C’s popular Band Cymru television programme. Our thanks go to all members & friends who performed with us on the recording, with particular thanks to WWBBA Best Instrumentalist Award Winner Zoe Alexander, who was finally united with the H. Vincent Richards Trophy following her winning performance with Lewis-Merthyr last month. Our best wishes go to Zoe in her new position at the Flowers Band in Gloucester.
The band now look forward to two of our popular Brass & Voices performances at the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy with Pendyrus Male Choir on Tuesday, November 7th at 7:15pm, and at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, Tondu with Bois Goetre-Hen a'r Cylch on Saturday November 18th at 7:00pm. The band will also be supporting three Remembrance Day services at Tonyrefail, Bridgend and Penarth on Sunday November 12th.
For the band's full engagements diary to date, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
To engage the band for your function or event, please contact us here
The band now look forward to two of our popular Brass & Voices performances at the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy with Pendyrus Male Choir on Tuesday, November 7th at 7:15pm, and at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, Tondu with Bois Goetre-Hen a'r Cylch on Saturday November 18th at 7:00pm. The band will also be supporting three Remembrance Day services at Tonyrefail, Bridgend and Penarth on Sunday November 12th.
For the band's full engagements diary to date, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/engagements
To engage the band for your function or event, please contact us here
|
|
WWBBA Champions 2017
Lewis-Merthyr Band have been proclaimed the 2017 West Wales Brass Band Association First Section Champions. The accolade was awarded to the band following a decisive victory at the championships, held this year at the Memorial Hall, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire.
Adjudicator Ian Porthouse described the band's performance of the American composer James Curnow's "Brass Metamorphosis" as "well shaped" and "well directed" with "great energy". Ian awarded the band 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 Roberts. The band are delighted with this success and our thanks go to each and every member of the band for all their continued hard work and commitment.
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to a busy month in November, which will see a recording session for S4C on Sunday November 5th, as well as the band supporting Remembrance Day events in Bridgend, Penarth and Tonyrefail. LMB will also undertake two of our 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, performing Gilbert Vinter's "Spectrum".
For full information on the band's diary for the remainder of 2017, including our full Christmas engagements and advance dates for 2018, visit the Engagements section of the website here Full results of the 2017 WWBBA Championships can be found below
Adjudicator Ian Porthouse described the band's performance of the American composer James Curnow's "Brass Metamorphosis" as "well shaped" and "well directed" with "great energy". Ian awarded the band 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 Roberts. The band are delighted with this success and our thanks go to each and every member of the band for all their continued hard work and commitment.
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to a busy month in November, which will see a recording session for S4C on Sunday November 5th, as well as the band supporting Remembrance Day events in Bridgend, Penarth and Tonyrefail. LMB will also undertake two of our 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, performing Gilbert Vinter's "Spectrum".
For full information on the band's diary for the remainder of 2017, including our full Christmas engagements and advance dates for 2018, visit the Engagements section of the website here Full results of the 2017 WWBBA Championships can be found below
2017 WWBBA Championships
Adjudicator: Ian Porthouse
1. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) — 190
2. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill) — 189
3. Briton Ferry Silver (Jeff Pearce) — 184
4. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson) — 183
5. Ammanford Town (Glyn Davies) — 182
W Blaenavon
W Parc & Dare
Best Instrumentalist: Zoe Alexander (flugel) — Lewis Merthyr
Adjudicator: Ian Porthouse
1. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) — 190
2. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill) — 189
3. Briton Ferry Silver (Jeff Pearce) — 184
4. BTM (Jeff Hutcherson) — 183
5. Ammanford Town (Glyn Davies) — 182
W Blaenavon
W Parc & Dare
Best Instrumentalist: Zoe Alexander (flugel) — Lewis Merthyr
Lewis-Merthyr perform with Sir Bryn Terfel
On Sunday October 1st, the band was delighted 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 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 band had an incredible time working on the project and are delighted to be featured in a broadcast of this magnitude. The resultant film will feature in the final episode of Sir Bryn's new television series "Taith Bryn Terfel - Gwlad Y Gan" and will be broadcast nationwide on or around Christmas Day.
Further information and images from the day can be found on the band's social media accounts on both Facebook and Twitter. Further details on the programme's broadcast will be made available in due course
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 band had an incredible time working on the project and are delighted to be featured in a broadcast of this magnitude. The resultant film will feature in the final episode of Sir Bryn's new television series "Taith Bryn Terfel - Gwlad Y Gan" and will be broadcast nationwide on or around Christmas Day.
Further information and images from the day can be found on the band's social media accounts on both Facebook and Twitter. Further details on the programme's broadcast will be made available in due course
Welcome New Members!
Lewis-Merthyr Band extends a warm welcome to new members Dave Short, Ffion Short, Brian Cleworth & Craig Maunder. Dave is very well known and respected figure in brass bands and the wider musical world in Wales, holding the bass trombone position with Cory, Sun Life and the Liberty Big Band. Dave returns to the band together with his daughter Ffion, a very welcome new member of the LMB cornet section. Brian is a member of the Prince of Wales Division Band, one of the new British Army brass bands based at RAF St Athan, while Craig Maunder, formerly of Llwydcoed Band, Ebbw Valley Brass and a longstanding current member of Canton SA Band, joins us in the percussion section. The band is delighted to welcome all four new members to LMB.
The band still has limited remaining vacancies on Cornet, Horn and Bb Bass. Our forthcoming engagements include concerts at the Park & Dare Theatre, a very special filming session for S4C television and more.Images from recent engagements at the Principality Stadium, and appearances in London, Cardiff and wider, can be found in the Gallery section of the website here.
The band maintains a busy and rewarding concert & contest schedule and also offers a welcoming social side. LMB rehearsals are held twice weekly on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 8:00 to 9:45pm. Guest players are always welcome and seat share is an option for heavily committed individuals. For further information on membership of Lewis-Merthyr Band, contact us here
The band still has limited remaining vacancies on Cornet, Horn and Bb Bass. Our forthcoming engagements include concerts at the Park & Dare Theatre, a very special filming session for S4C television and more.Images from recent engagements at the Principality Stadium, and appearances in London, Cardiff and wider, can be found in the Gallery section of the website here.
The band maintains a busy and rewarding concert & contest schedule and also offers a welcoming social side. LMB rehearsals are held twice weekly on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 8:00 to 9:45pm. Guest players are always welcome and seat share is an option for heavily committed individuals. For further information on membership of Lewis-Merthyr Band, contact us here
Lewis-Merthyr again feature on BBC television
Lewis-Merthyr were again featured on BBC television in an additional screening of Episode 2 of "The Taff: The River That Made Wales" with Will Millard, screened on BBC Four on August 16th.
The episode features the band and 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 programme can be watched online until Wednesday September 13th at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0705d04
The episode features the band and 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 programme can be watched online until Wednesday September 13th at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0705d04
Brass & Voices heads to Harrow
|
On Saturday June 17th, Lewis-Merthyr Band featured in a gala performance entitled Brass & Voices of Wales in the magnificent setting of the Old Speech Room at Harrow School, conducted by leading Welsh orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
The concert followed in the highly successful series of performances held annually at the Welsh Proms in St David's Hall, Cardiff each summer and in additional concert halls across the Principality, including the famed Llangollen International Eisteddfod. This particular performance had been organised to raise much needed funds for St Mary's, Harrow On The Hill and all proceeds from the event were donated directly to the St Mary's Roof Fund. The band appeared alongside the 80 strong Bridgend Male Choir, in a programme that included Borodin's Danses Polovtsiennes, the epic March from Respighi's Pines of Rome and a wealth of traditional Welsh choral classics, including Myfanwy, Cwm Rhondda & more. |
|
Our next Brass & Voices performances will be Tuesday November 10th at the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy with Pendyrus Male Choir, and at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwyn, Tondu with Bois Goetre Hen a'r Cylch. For further information visit the Engagements section of our website here
Ivor England named new LMB Trustee
The band held are delighted to welcome Mr Ivor England as a new Trustee of the band. A former miner at the Lewis-Merthyr Colliery, Ivor was also previously a trombonist with band and is a very active member of the local community and Friends of the Rhondda Heritage Park. Everyone at Lewis-Merthyr is delighted to welcome Ivor to the band as Trustee and look forward to working with him as an active member of the band management, particularly in relation to the planned rehearsal room development and relationship with the Rhondda Heritage Park. Further information on all the band's forthcoming projects will be placed here in the News section of our website as they develop. If you would like to contact the band in relation to a partnership project, or indeed to join the band as a playing member, visit the Contact section of the website here
Excellent Night at St John's
The band recently enjoyed an excellent Brass & Voices concert at St John's Church, Cymmer with our good friends Bois Goetre-Hen a'r Cylch Male Choir of Tondu. Both band & choir now very much looking forward to performing together again in Tondu on Saturday November 18th.
Lewis-Merthyr's next Brass & Voices performance will be in Harrow, London on Saturday June 17th, together with Bridgend Male Choir, where both groups will perform under the baton of the renowned orchestral conductor & Welsh Proms Artistic Director Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. Further information on the event can be found below.
Thank you again to all members and to all in attendance for an concert at St John's. The band will return to the venue for our Christmas Concert on Thursday December 7th.
Lewis-Merthyr's next Brass & Voices performance will be in Harrow, London on Saturday June 17th, together with Bridgend Male Choir, where both groups will perform under the baton of the renowned orchestral conductor & Welsh Proms Artistic Director Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. Further information on the event can be found below.
Thank you again to all members and to all in attendance for an concert at St John's. The band will return to the venue for our Christmas Concert on Thursday December 7th.
Brass & Voices in London & Wales
Following the success of our previous St David's Day event at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, this Spring / Summer Lewis-Merthyr will undertake two major Brass & Voices performances in Harrow, London and our hometown of Cymmer, Rhondda.
The first concert will be on home turf, and see the band perform together with Tondu based choir Bois Goetre-Hen a'r Clych, on Saturday May 20th at St John's Church, Cymmer.
The second performance will then take place on Saturday June 17th in the magnificent setting of the Harrow School Speech Room, where the band will perform, together with Bridgend Male Choir, under the baton of legendary Welsh orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
Tickets for both performances are now available. To reserve tickets for the performance at St John's Church, please contact us by telephone on 07848 234 165 or by email at [email protected] You can also book tickets online via our secure TicketSource listing https://www.ticketsource.co.uk
Do also join our Facebook event listings and invite your friends & colleagues to join you at the performances. For the event at Harrow click here and the event in Rhondda click here
The first concert will be on home turf, and see the band perform together with Tondu based choir Bois Goetre-Hen a'r Clych, on Saturday May 20th at St John's Church, Cymmer.
The second performance will then take place on Saturday June 17th in the magnificent setting of the Harrow School Speech Room, where the band will perform, together with Bridgend Male Choir, under the baton of legendary Welsh orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
Tickets for both performances are now available. To reserve tickets for the performance at St John's Church, please contact us by telephone on 07848 234 165 or by email at [email protected] You can also book tickets online via our secure TicketSource listing https://www.ticketsource.co.uk
Do also join our Facebook event listings and invite your friends & colleagues to join you at the performances. For the event at Harrow click here and the event in Rhondda click here
|
|
SEWBBA Championships
In the first of the Welsh League Championships of 2017, the band were awarded 4th place at the SEWBBA Championships in Merthyr Tydfil. This places the band currently third in the First Section of the League, ahead of the second stage of the championships at Burry Port, West Wales on Saturday October 7th.
2017 Welsh League Table
1. Ammanford (Glyn Davies) 2
2. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill) 3
3. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) 4
4. Blaenavon (Lynne Turner) 5
4. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson) 5
4. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton) 5
SEWBBA Championships - Full Results:
1. Drybrook (Josh Ruck)
2. Ammanford (Glyn Davies)
3. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill)
4. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
5. Blaenavon (Lynne Turner)
5. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson)
5. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton)
2017 Welsh League Table
1. Ammanford (Glyn Davies) 2
2. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill) 3
3. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) 4
4. Blaenavon (Lynne Turner) 5
4. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson) 5
4. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton) 5
SEWBBA Championships - Full Results:
1. Drybrook (Josh Ruck)
2. Ammanford (Glyn Davies)
3. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill)
4. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
5. Blaenavon (Lynne Turner)
5. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson)
5. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton)
Super 7s Rugby Festival
An ensemble from the band were delighted to support the recent Black Army Minis Super 7s Rugby Festival at Llantrisant RFC.
The band are always delighted to support community events, with full band or ensemble performances. If you would like to enquire about engaging the band to support your function or events, please contact us here
For the band's full engagements diary to date, visit the Engagements section of the website here
The band are always delighted to support community events, with full band or ensemble performances. If you would like to enquire about engaging the band to support your function or events, please contact us here
For the band's full engagements diary to date, visit the Engagements section of the website here
Only Girls Aloud!
The female members of LMB were delighted to recently perform at the 2017 Six Nations Championships supporting both the Wales v England and Wales v Ireland women's international rugby matches at Cardiff Arms Park, on Saturday February 11th and Saturday March 11th respectively.
For the matches, the members undertook a national first, forming part of Wales' first all-female brass band! The band performed together with two 100 voice all-female choirs.
The performance of the national anthem from the Wales v England games can be viewed, courtesy of BBC Scrum V Live at https://twitter.com/bbcscrumv/status/830379009317883908 while video of the rehearsal and pre-match performance is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9CKW5MFD_0&sns=em
The story of the first all-female band was also picked up by the BBC news. Video of the BBC news piece on the band, filmed at the Wales v Ireland match, can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-39244539
For the matches, the members undertook a national first, forming part of Wales' first all-female brass band! The band performed together with two 100 voice all-female choirs.
The performance of the national anthem from the Wales v England games can be viewed, courtesy of BBC Scrum V Live at https://twitter.com/bbcscrumv/status/830379009317883908 while video of the rehearsal and pre-match performance is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9CKW5MFD_0&sns=em
The story of the first all-female band was also picked up by the BBC news. Video of the BBC news piece on the band, filmed at the Wales v Ireland match, can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-39244539
Welsh Regional Championships 2017
The band were delighted to once again perform at Swansea's magnificent Brangwyn Hall in the 2017 Welsh Regional Championships on Saturday March 18th. The band gave a very strong performance of Philip Sparke's Land of the Long White Cloud, but were placed 7th from a number two draw in the field of 10 First Section bands. The band are delighted to retain our First Section status for 2018 however and look forward to a better result - and better draw - at the SEWBBA Championships in May. Huge thanks go out to all our members for all their hard work and commitment in preparation for the Welsh Regional and Welsh Open Championships over the past months.
Welsh Open Championships 2017
The band were delighted to recently participate in the 2017 Welsh Regional Championships at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, and reunite with two good friends of the band, former longstanding Musical Director Mr Nigel Seaman and trombone soloist Tom Scaife.
Nigel was MD for the band during one of the most successful periods in its history, leading LMB to the Welsh Championship and many more contest, concert and broadcast successes during the mid 1980's. It was a pleasure for the band to welcome Nigel back to the bandroom for the first time in 19 years, to conduct the band in the absence of regular MD Craig Roberts, who was overseas, adjudicating at the Mid-Atlantic Brass Band Festival in the USA.
The band's programme featured works by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, Ben Hollings, Darroll Barry and Alexander Borodin, plus the classic trombone showstopper, Arthur Pryor's "The Bluebells of Scotland" which was performed with alacrity by Royal Academy of Music graduate Tom Scaife, who is now studying in Bern, Switzerland with former Vienna Philharmonic Principal Ian Bousfield.
The band thoroughly enjoyed the performance, despite receiving the dreaded Number One draw and was placed 5th within the First Section bands competing, and received 10th position overall. The band's next performance will be at the Welsh Regional Championships at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Saturday March 18th performing Philip Sparke's "Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud".
Nigel was MD for the band during one of the most successful periods in its history, leading LMB to the Welsh Championship and many more contest, concert and broadcast successes during the mid 1980's. It was a pleasure for the band to welcome Nigel back to the bandroom for the first time in 19 years, to conduct the band in the absence of regular MD Craig Roberts, who was overseas, adjudicating at the Mid-Atlantic Brass Band Festival in the USA.
The band's programme featured works by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, Ben Hollings, Darroll Barry and Alexander Borodin, plus the classic trombone showstopper, Arthur Pryor's "The Bluebells of Scotland" which was performed with alacrity by Royal Academy of Music graduate Tom Scaife, who is now studying in Bern, Switzerland with former Vienna Philharmonic Principal Ian Bousfield.
The band thoroughly enjoyed the performance, despite receiving the dreaded Number One draw and was placed 5th within the First Section bands competing, and received 10th position overall. The band's next performance will be at the Welsh Regional Championships at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Saturday March 18th performing Philip Sparke's "Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud".
Life Membership - Fred Nicholas
At the recent 2017 Band Dinner, the prestigious Life Membership of Lewis-Merthyr Band was awarded to longstanding member and Bandmaster Frederick Nicholas. Educated at Tonypandy Grammar School, Fred is a graduate of the University of Wales. Until his retirement in 2012, Fred was Head of Music at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School in Beddau, Pontypridd. A longstanding member and Bandmaster at Lewis-Merthyr, Fred has also conducted numerous other bands including Rogerstone and Ynyshir.
Fred has appeared innumerable concert performances, including a series of overseas tours, and featured in a number of television and radio programmes, including a feature in the series "First Hand" which gave a insight into his commitment to musical activities. Fred has also held a long association with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, and the choral world, where he is Musical Director of both Cambrian Male Voice Choir and The Heritage Singers. Lewis-Merthyr Band is honoured to hold Fred among our illustrious Life Members. A full listing of LMB Life Members can be found here
Fred has appeared innumerable concert performances, including a series of overseas tours, and featured in a number of television and radio programmes, including a feature in the series "First Hand" which gave a insight into his commitment to musical activities. Fred has also held a long association with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, and the choral world, where he is Musical Director of both Cambrian Male Voice Choir and The Heritage Singers. Lewis-Merthyr Band is honoured to hold Fred among our illustrious Life Members. A full listing of LMB Life Members can be found here
Bright Year Ahead
Following on from a busy and successful year in 2016, Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to another exciting year ahead in 2017. The band begin the year with our annual dinner on Saturday February 4th, following which the female members of the band will then be appearing with an all-female band & choir at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday February 11th, performing for the Wales v England Womens Rugby International at Cardiff Arms Park. The full band will then appear in competition for the first time in 2017 at the Welsh Open Entertainments Championships at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl on Saturday February 18th.
In March, Lewis-Merthyr will then perform for the Wales v Ireland Womens Rugby International at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday March 11th, before competing at the Welsh Regional Championships in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Saturday March 18th, performing Philip Sparke's Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud.
The band looks forward to a bright start to the new year, and a series of additional concerts and contests throughout the remainder of 2017. Full information on all the band's full 2017 diary can be found in the Engagements section of the website here
Lewis-Merthyr is always keen to welcome new and returning members. If you would be interested in membership of the band, or attending a rehearsal, please contact us here
In March, Lewis-Merthyr will then perform for the Wales v Ireland Womens Rugby International at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday March 11th, before competing at the Welsh Regional Championships in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Saturday March 18th, performing Philip Sparke's Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud.
The band looks forward to a bright start to the new year, and a series of additional concerts and contests throughout the remainder of 2017. Full information on all the band's full 2017 diary can be found in the Engagements section of the website here
Lewis-Merthyr is always keen to welcome new and returning members. If you would be interested in membership of the band, or attending a rehearsal, please contact us here
David Arnold
Lewis-Merthyr Band are sad to announce the passing of former Trustee and longstanding bandmember David Arnold. David originally hailed from the Forest of Dean, where he played for a number of local bands, before taking up employment in Cardiff, with Rosemount Funeral Services. Shortly after moving to Taffs Well he joined the tuba section at Lewis Merthyr Band under the baton of Nigel Seaman. David played Eb bass for many years with the band, although was always prepared to play in other positions also, as and when required, an indication of the type of dedicated bandsman he was. He was also, for a lengthy period, a well respected Chairman of the band. David will be greatly missed by all members of Lewis-Merthyr and the wider Welsh brass band movement who knew him. The band offer our deepest condolences to David's wife Rita and the family at this very sad time. Requiescat In Pace David Arnold
2016 News
Brass & Organ Service closes 2016 season
|
In 2016, Lewis-Merthyr Band undertook over 35 public performances throughout the course of the calendar year.
Our final formal concert of the 2016 season was held in Coychurch, Bridgend, where the band featured in the popular annual Carol Service at Coychurch Crematorium, delighting the large congregation present. Previous guest artists for the event have included Welsh Proms featured soprano Angharad Morgan and the 100 strong Bridgend Male Choir. This year the band were delighted to be featured, performing together with resident organist - and former Lewis-Merthyr member - Rhiannon Williams-Hale. Works featured during the evening included a magnificent combined rendition of Sir Arthur Sullivan's "The Lost Chord", Zacar's "When A Child Is Born" plus Leroy Anderson's ever popular "Christmas Fantasy" to close. Lewis-Merthyr were delighted to support the event, which proved an inspiring close to an excellent year for the band. LMB will now close the festive season with a final series of Christmas carolling engagements at Culverhouse Cross, Llantwit Fardre & Talbot Green. For further information on these performances, as well as the band's advance calendar for 2017, visit the engagements section of the website here We wish all our friends & followers a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ahead - Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd. |
|
Youth Band Stars of the Show at St John's
The band recently undertook two excellent festive concerts at our local Parish Church, St John's, Cymmer together with Porth County Community School and Cambrian Male Choir, and also the Christmas Lights ceremony at Porth Town Square. All events were incredibly well supported and it has been a delight for the band to be able to engage with and entertain so many members of our local community.
The undoubted stars of all these performances however were definitely the next generation of Lewis-Merthyr talent, the members of our new Youth Band programme, currently being operated in partnership with Porth County, Tonyrefail & Cymmer Junior Schools. Young musicians from each of these schools, came together to perform in concert for the very first time, rightly stealing the show and receiving deserved rapturous applause from the capacity audience at St John's.
The band now look forward to additional activity for our Youth Band programme members, together with the main band, in 2017. Lewis-Merthyr will now continue our series of Christmas Carolling events across RCT and wider over the coming weeks, together with our final concert of the year at Coychurch on December 15th. Full information on all Lewis-Merthyr Band events can be found in the Engagements section of the website here
The undoubted stars of all these performances however were definitely the next generation of Lewis-Merthyr talent, the members of our new Youth Band programme, currently being operated in partnership with Porth County, Tonyrefail & Cymmer Junior Schools. Young musicians from each of these schools, came together to perform in concert for the very first time, rightly stealing the show and receiving deserved rapturous applause from the capacity audience at St John's.
The band now look forward to additional activity for our Youth Band programme members, together with the main band, in 2017. Lewis-Merthyr will now continue our series of Christmas Carolling events across RCT and wider over the coming weeks, together with our final concert of the year at Coychurch on December 15th. Full information on all Lewis-Merthyr Band events can be found in the Engagements section of the website here
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!
|
As every year, the band is undertaking a large number of festive engagements across Rhondda Cynon Taf and wider this Christmas.
On December 7th & 8th the band will feature in two concerts at St John's Church, Cymmer - the Porth County Community Carol Service, plus our own Christmas Concert with Cambrian Male Choir. Following these, the band will then also feature in a special Brass & Organ Carol Service at Coychurch on Thursday December 15th. In addition to these concert performances, Lewis-Merthyr will also be undertaking a wealth of Christmas Carol performances at Porth, Coryton, Culverhouse Cross, Llantwit Fardre & Tonyrefail. We hope you will be able to join us at one or a number of these events. For our full Christmas diary, visit the Engagements section of the website here |
|
Welsh League Success Closes 2016 Season
Lewis-Merthyr ended the 2016 contesting season with success, again being named Runner Up Welsh League First Section Champions following a strong 4th placing from a number one draw at the recent South East Wales Brass Band Association Championships in Merthyr Tydfil.
The band were highly praised for their rendition of Sir Malcolm Arnold's "Fantasy for Band" by adjudicator Derek Broadbent. The full adjudication will soon be made available in the Contest Adjudications section of the website here Our thanks go to all members for their sterling commitment and high level of performance throughout the 2016 season.
The band will now close 2016 with a series of festive performance throughout December. For full details of all forthcoming engagements, please visit the Engagements section of the website here
2016 Welsh League - Full Results:
1. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter) - 5 / 569
2. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) - 11 / 559
3. Abergavenny Borough (Alun F. Williams / Sean O'Neill) - 11 / 558
4. Ammanford (Glyn Davies / Tom Hutchinson) - 15 / 554
5. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton) - 15 / 553
6. Blaenavon (Lynne Turner) 17 / 546
7. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson) 19 / 543
8. City of Cardiff Melingriffith 2 (Jack Capstaff / Chris Turner) - 19 / 548
SEWBBA Championships - Full Results:
1. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter)
2. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill)
3. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson)
4. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
5. Blaenavon (Lynne Turner)
6. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton)
7. City of Cardiff Melingriffith 2 (Chris Turner)
8. Ammanford (Tom Hutchinson)
The band were highly praised for their rendition of Sir Malcolm Arnold's "Fantasy for Band" by adjudicator Derek Broadbent. The full adjudication will soon be made available in the Contest Adjudications section of the website here Our thanks go to all members for their sterling commitment and high level of performance throughout the 2016 season.
The band will now close 2016 with a series of festive performance throughout December. For full details of all forthcoming engagements, please visit the Engagements section of the website here
2016 Welsh League - Full Results:
1. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter) - 5 / 569
2. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) - 11 / 559
3. Abergavenny Borough (Alun F. Williams / Sean O'Neill) - 11 / 558
4. Ammanford (Glyn Davies / Tom Hutchinson) - 15 / 554
5. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton) - 15 / 553
6. Blaenavon (Lynne Turner) 17 / 546
7. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson) 19 / 543
8. City of Cardiff Melingriffith 2 (Jack Capstaff / Chris Turner) - 19 / 548
SEWBBA Championships - Full Results:
1. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter)
2. Abergavenny Borough (Sean O'Neill)
3. B.T.M. (Jeff Hutcherson)
4. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts)
5. Blaenavon (Lynne Turner)
6. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton)
7. City of Cardiff Melingriffith 2 (Chris Turner)
8. Ammanford (Tom Hutchinson)
Croeso Awen!
Lewis-Merthyr Band offers a warm welcome to the world to baby Awen Rose Russell, born to parents Louise & Jeremy on the early morning of November 19th. Congratulations to Mum, Dad and the entire family
Good Luck Louise!
Everyone at Lewis-Merthyr Band offer all our best wishes to Principal Cornet Louise Russell on the imminent birth of her third child and forthcoming maternity leave for the festive season. All members send our very warmest wishes to Louise, Jeremy and family and look forward to baby Rugman-Russell joining the extended Lewis-Merthyr family very soon!
Rhondda Tunnel Concert A Tremendous Success
The recent Brass & Voices concert, in aid of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, was an incredible success. A large and tremendously appreciative audience, which included Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood AM and Rhondda MP Chris Bryant, were delighted with the performances of the band, choirs and soloists alike.
Lewis-Merthyr and Musical Director Craig Roberts were delighted to return to the iconic Park & Dare Theatre to perform after gaps of over thirty years(!) and eight years respectively.
The Rhondda Tunnel Society were delighted with the response to the concert, which should raise c.£6000 for the Tunnel Project Fund, thanks to the audience support and sponsorship of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Santander, Ricoh Print and additional local businesses.
Lewis-Merthyr Band look forward to undertaking additional projects with Pendyrus and the Tunnel Society in the near future, and to returning to the Park & Dare Theatre again soon. Our thanks to all our friends and followers for your support.
Lewis-Merthyr and Musical Director Craig Roberts were delighted to return to the iconic Park & Dare Theatre to perform after gaps of over thirty years(!) and eight years respectively.
The Rhondda Tunnel Society were delighted with the response to the concert, which should raise c.£6000 for the Tunnel Project Fund, thanks to the audience support and sponsorship of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Santander, Ricoh Print and additional local businesses.
Lewis-Merthyr Band look forward to undertaking additional projects with Pendyrus and the Tunnel Society in the near future, and to returning to the Park & Dare Theatre again soon. Our thanks to all our friends and followers for your support.
|
|
From Pembrokeshire to Park & Dare
Following our recent participation in the 2016 WWBBA Championships at Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, the band are now looking forward to performing on home ground, together with our good friends at Pendyrus Male Choir, BBC Wales' Beverley Humphreys and choirs from both Treorchy Comprehensive and YGG Ynyswen. Further information and tickets for the performance are available from the Park & Dare Box Office on 08000 147 111 or online via rct-arts.org
|
Concert tickets are available online via parkdare.rct-arts.org
|
Incredible Weekend at City of the Unexpected
On September 17 / 18th Lewis-Merthyr Band featured in National Theatre Wales' incredible Roald Dahl 100 celebrations, City of the Unexpected, across Cardiff city centre. The band undertook four performances as part of the weekend for the estimated crowds of 80 to 100 000 people in attendance. On Saturday the band led both the opening Giant Peach Procession through the city centre to Cardiff Castle, plus the evening Groom's Procession from Cardiff Arms Park to City Hall. On Sunday the band were then featured in a Flash Mob event in the centre of 40 to 50 000 people in Bute Park, before leading the final procession to launch the weekend's finale. Lewis-Merthyr were delighted to feature in this landmark production and entertain thousands of visitors to the Welsh capital in celebration of Wales greatest children's author. A series of images from the weekend can be found below www.cityoftheunexpected.wales
Opening Peach Procession
Saturday Evening Groom's Procession & City Hall Event
Sunday afternoon Fox Procession & Pyjama Party in the Park
Rhondda Tunnel Benefit Concert
|
On Thursday October 13th, Lewis-Merthyr Band will join forces with the renowned Pendyrus Male Choir, Treorchy Comprehensive School Choir and Côr Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Ynyswen, for a grand scale Brass & Voices concert in aid of the Rhondda Tunnel Society.
Compered by BBC Wales' Beverley Humphreys, the performance will feature a host of traditional favourites, movie soundtracks, songs from the shows and more. Truly an evening not to be missed! Tickets are available direct from the Park & Dare Theatre Box Office on 08000 147 111 or online via www.rct-arts.org and priced at £12 Circle / £10 Stalls (concessions available). All proceeds from the performance will be donated to the Rhondda Tunnel Society, Registered Charity No. 1162646 |
|
|
|
City of the Unexpected
On Saturday & Sunday September 17 & 18, Lewis-Merthyr Band will feature in the national celebration of the Roald Dahl centenary in Cardiff. Taking place across the city centre, the event is described by the organisers as follows:
The Welsh capital will become a place where reality is turned on its head, and where the laws of physics, logic and the predictable will give way to magic, fun, invention and the surreal, as if Roald Dahl himself is at the helm.
This epic weekend will involve a cast of thousands of performers from across the city and jaw-dropping spectacles. Immerse yourself in everything from large-scale events to intimate performances - all staged across Cardiff’s streets and public spaces, in shops and arcades, at iconic buildings and parks.
Born in Cardiff, one hundred years ago this September, Roald Dahl’s imagination has touched the most extraordinary number of people. It has been part of our childhood and our children’s childhood.
To mark his centenary and to give thanks for the legacy he created, this will be a totally surprising celebration of the man, his characters and his stories.
Produced by Wales Millennium Centre and National Theatre Wales, in association with The Roald Dahl Literary Estate, and led by a creative team from Wales and across the globe, Roald Dahl’s City of the Unexpected will be a world-class event worthy of a world-class writer."
Lewis-Merthyr are delighted to be featured in this tremendous event and look forward to delighting the tens of thousands in attendance with our performances. For further information, visit www.cityoftheunexpected.wales
The Welsh capital will become a place where reality is turned on its head, and where the laws of physics, logic and the predictable will give way to magic, fun, invention and the surreal, as if Roald Dahl himself is at the helm.
This epic weekend will involve a cast of thousands of performers from across the city and jaw-dropping spectacles. Immerse yourself in everything from large-scale events to intimate performances - all staged across Cardiff’s streets and public spaces, in shops and arcades, at iconic buildings and parks.
Born in Cardiff, one hundred years ago this September, Roald Dahl’s imagination has touched the most extraordinary number of people. It has been part of our childhood and our children’s childhood.
To mark his centenary and to give thanks for the legacy he created, this will be a totally surprising celebration of the man, his characters and his stories.
Produced by Wales Millennium Centre and National Theatre Wales, in association with The Roald Dahl Literary Estate, and led by a creative team from Wales and across the globe, Roald Dahl’s City of the Unexpected will be a world-class event worthy of a world-class writer."
Lewis-Merthyr are delighted to be featured in this tremendous event and look forward to delighting the tens of thousands in attendance with our performances. For further information, visit www.cityoftheunexpected.wales
Incredible Opening Ceremony for Golden Oldies International Festival
On Sunday August 21st, Lewis-Merthyr Band returned again to the national rugby stadium, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, to perform together with Pendyrus Male Choir for the Opening Ceremony of the Golden Oldies International Rugby Festival. Over 1350 people from 130 international teams of 18 different nations, gathered in Wales for the tournament. A selection of images from the event, courtesy of Irfon Bennett Photography, can be found in the galleries below. To engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your event, contact us here
Lewis-Merthyr In Performance at the Principality Stadium. All images copyright Irfon Bennett Photography
With Dr Haydn James, Phil Steele & Pendyrus Male Choir. All images copyright Irfon Bennett Photography
Summer Recruitment!
Lewis-Merthyr Band currently has vacancies for a first-class Solo Cornet player, First Trombone, Eb & Bb Bass & Tuned Percussion. If you interested in applying for any of these positions, please contact us here
The band has a full & varied concert, contest & social calendar. For further information, browse our Engagements diary plus the various additional news items listed below. Further information on our rehearsal nights & venue can be found here
The band has a full & varied concert, contest & social calendar. For further information, browse our Engagements diary plus the various additional news items listed below. Further information on our rehearsal nights & venue can be found here
Super Summer So Far
Lewis-Merthyr has enjoyed a successful start to the summer with engagements at Rhondda Heritage Park, performing for the installation of a plaque in memory of Trade Unionist A. J. Cook; a private function at Abergavenny, under guest conductor Denis Mahoney; and a performance at Penarth, under guest conductor Major Denis Burton. The band also recently performed in concert at Bedwellty House & Gardens under regular Musical Director Craig Roberts.
Lewis-Merthyr will round off a busy summer with a second engagement at Penarth on August 20th, plus an appearance at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff on August 21st, featuring in the Opening Ceremony of the World Golden Oldies International Rugby Festival with Pendyrus Male Choir, under the baton of WRU Director of Music Dr Haydn James and LMB MD Craig Roberts.
Beyond the summer, the band then look forward to the new contesting season in the autumn with the WWBBA Championships at Fishguard, West Wales and the Wychavon Festival of Brass in Evesham, Worcestershire. The band will also be involved in a major concert project in Cardiff in September.
For the band's full events diary, visit the Engagements section of the website here
To engage the band for your performance or function, you can reach us via the Contact section of the website here
To enquire about membership of the band, please view the below news item
Lewis-Merthyr will round off a busy summer with a second engagement at Penarth on August 20th, plus an appearance at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff on August 21st, featuring in the Opening Ceremony of the World Golden Oldies International Rugby Festival with Pendyrus Male Choir, under the baton of WRU Director of Music Dr Haydn James and LMB MD Craig Roberts.
Beyond the summer, the band then look forward to the new contesting season in the autumn with the WWBBA Championships at Fishguard, West Wales and the Wychavon Festival of Brass in Evesham, Worcestershire. The band will also be involved in a major concert project in Cardiff in September.
For the band's full events diary, visit the Engagements section of the website here
To engage the band for your performance or function, you can reach us via the Contact section of the website here
To enquire about membership of the band, please view the below news item
2016 World Golden Oldies Rugby Festival
This August will see the 21st World Golden Oldies Rugby Festival head to the heart of rugby – Cardiff, Wales, a city steeped in rugby and rugby traditions, and the focal point for the highly respected Wales Rugby team. World Golden Oldies Rugby Festivals have previously been staged in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, South Africa, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Argentina but, to date, never in Wales.
This summer however teams, players, wives, partners, supporters and officials will finally be able to enjoy the renowned Welsh hospitality, soak up the incredible rugby atmosphere, visit Wales' wonderful pubs and restaurants, and enjoy the many attractions the Welsh capital has to offer, and Lewis-Merthyr Band will play a major part in the festivities.
The first Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival was held in Auckland in 1979. Held roughly every two years since, in Rugby destinations around the World, the Golden Oldies Rugby movement keeps growing based on the fundamental ethos of Fun, Friendship and Fraternity. In 2016 the organisation are celebrating the 21st World Festival in style at the heart of world rugby, Cardiff – over 100 teams from 18 Countries have entered for the celebrations!
On Saturday August 20th, the festival Opening Ceremony will take place at the Prinicpality Stadium where the Lewis-Merthyr Band and Pendyrus Male Choir will perform under the batons of esteemed WRU Director of Music Dr. Haydn James and Lewis-Merthyr MD Craig Roberts. The band are thoroughly looking forward to once again appearing at the Stadium and working with Dr James again, and to welcoming the participants from across the globe to Cardiff and Wales this summer.
For further information on the Festival, visit www.europeangoldenoldiesrugby.com/2016-golden-oldies-world-rugby-festival
This summer however teams, players, wives, partners, supporters and officials will finally be able to enjoy the renowned Welsh hospitality, soak up the incredible rugby atmosphere, visit Wales' wonderful pubs and restaurants, and enjoy the many attractions the Welsh capital has to offer, and Lewis-Merthyr Band will play a major part in the festivities.
The first Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival was held in Auckland in 1979. Held roughly every two years since, in Rugby destinations around the World, the Golden Oldies Rugby movement keeps growing based on the fundamental ethos of Fun, Friendship and Fraternity. In 2016 the organisation are celebrating the 21st World Festival in style at the heart of world rugby, Cardiff – over 100 teams from 18 Countries have entered for the celebrations!
On Saturday August 20th, the festival Opening Ceremony will take place at the Prinicpality Stadium where the Lewis-Merthyr Band and Pendyrus Male Choir will perform under the batons of esteemed WRU Director of Music Dr. Haydn James and Lewis-Merthyr MD Craig Roberts. The band are thoroughly looking forward to once again appearing at the Stadium and working with Dr James again, and to welcoming the participants from across the globe to Cardiff and Wales this summer.
For further information on the Festival, visit www.europeangoldenoldiesrugby.com/2016-golden-oldies-world-rugby-festival
An Evening of Movies & Musicals
|
On Wednesday June 15th, Lewis-Merthyr featured in concert together with students of Tonyrefail School in "An Evening of Movies, Musicals & Pop!".
Organised by new Tonyrefail Head of Music, and LMB band member, Miss Joanne Huxton, the concert featured a selection of popular movie soundtracks, West End favourites and chart topping hits, and took place to a large and very appreciative crowd in the main hall of the Lower School in Tonyrefail. |
|
Speaking about the evening, LMB Chair Paul Williams stated "It was a fantastic evening and an excellent opportunity for the band to be able to perform together with the very talented students of the school to such an appreciative audience in our local community. We look forward to further collaborations with Tonyrefail and additional schools throughout the local area in the near future".
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to a busy summer season of events, further information on which can be found in the Engagements section of the website here
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to a busy summer season of events, further information on which can be found in the Engagements section of the website here
Success Once Again At SEWBBA
Lewis-Merthyr once again tasted success at the recent South East Wales Brass Band Association Championships, being awarded Second Prize in the First Section by adjudicator Glyn Williams, solo euphonium of the renowned Cory Band. The band were highly praised for their rendition of James Curnow's "Brass Metamorphosis" which was summed up as "such a polished, detailed and musical performance" with particular praise for the band's soloists and approach to the work throughout. The full adjudication of the can be found in the Contest Adjudications section of the website here
The band now look forward to participating in the West Wales Association Championships in October, as well as a busy summer featuring performances in the Principality Stadium, Vale of Glamorgan and locally in Rhondda Cynon Taf. For full details of all the band's forthcoming engagements, visit the Engagements section of the website here
SEWBBA Championships - Full Results:
1. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton) - 194
2. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) - 193
3. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter) - 192
4. City of Cardiff Melingriffith 2 (Jack Capstaff) - 190
5. Ammanford (Glyn Rhys Davies) - 188
6. AW Parker (Drybrook) (Josh Ruck) - 187
7. Abergavenny Borough (Alun F Williams) - 185
The band now look forward to participating in the West Wales Association Championships in October, as well as a busy summer featuring performances in the Principality Stadium, Vale of Glamorgan and locally in Rhondda Cynon Taf. For full details of all the band's forthcoming engagements, visit the Engagements section of the website here
SEWBBA Championships - Full Results:
1. Parc & Dare (Adrian Morton) - 194
2. Lewis Merthyr (Craig Roberts) - 193
3. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter) - 192
4. City of Cardiff Melingriffith 2 (Jack Capstaff) - 190
5. Ammanford (Glyn Rhys Davies) - 188
6. AW Parker (Drybrook) (Josh Ruck) - 187
7. Abergavenny Borough (Alun F Williams) - 185
Judgement Day
The band recently enjoyed another fantastic appearance at the national rugby stadium, Cardiff's Principality Stadium, performing for 68 262 people and nationwide television audience at Judgement Day IV.
The band appeared together with the Blues, Dragons, Scarlets & Ospreys choirs, performing under the batons of LMB Musical Director Craig Roberts and WRU Director of Music Dr Haydn James. A selection of images from the performances and the day can be found below.
The band look forward to returning to the Stadium to perform for the international Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival in August. Further information can be found in the Engagements section of the website here
The band appeared together with the Blues, Dragons, Scarlets & Ospreys choirs, performing under the batons of LMB Musical Director Craig Roberts and WRU Director of Music Dr Haydn James. A selection of images from the performances and the day can be found below.
The band look forward to returning to the Stadium to perform for the international Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival in August. Further information can be found in the Engagements section of the website here
LMB Support Coalfields Regeneration Trust Game On Awards
An ensemble from the band were delighted to support the Coalfields Regeneration Trust Game On Wales Awards hosted by Mick Antoniw AM at the Muni Arts Centre on Wednesday April 20th.
It was a genuine delight to be involved in and support the event, and LMB offer our sincere congratulations to all the incredible projects and project leaders who received awards and due recognition for their fantastic work and achievements.
To engage either the full band or a small ensemble for your performance or event, contact us
It was a genuine delight to be involved in and support the event, and LMB offer our sincere congratulations to all the incredible projects and project leaders who received awards and due recognition for their fantastic work and achievements.
To engage either the full band or a small ensemble for your performance or event, contact us
Judgement Day For Lewis-Merthyr
On Saturday April 30th, Lewis-Merthyr Band will return to the Principality Stadium to perform at Judgement Day, the Guinness PRO12 double-header which sees Wales' four regions face off in back-to-back matches at the national stadium in Cardiff.
Cardiff Blues take on the Ospreys in the first match of the day, which kicks off at 2.30pm, followed by the Newport Gwent Dragons' clash with the Scarlets at 5pm. Last year saw a record Welsh domestic rugby attendance of over 55,000 descend on the capital in April 2015, paying just £10 per head.
"The aspiration for Judgement Day has always been to fill the stadium to its rafters," said WRU Chairman Gareth Davies. "We achieved a record crowd figure for domestic rugby in Wales last year, but there is no reason to stop there. We have set ourselves the target of a sell-out in 2016, it's a bold statement but one that Welsh Pro Rugby and the Guinness PRO12 is more than equal to. At just £10 per head, fans can see the very best that Welsh rugby has to offer go head to head in regional colours in the grand surrounds of our national stadium".
Mark Davies, Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales, which represents the four professional teams Ospreys, Scarlets, Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff Blues, said: "Saturday 30th April 2016 is a date every supporter of Welsh rugby should book into the calendar now, as we look ahead with excitement to another huge double derby at the national stadium after such a positive day for Welsh professional rugby as a whole at Judgement Day this year".
BBC Wales Head of Sport Geoff Williams: "Judgement Day has become one of the highlights of the Guinness PRO12 season on Scrum V Live and Clwb Rygbi. It represents a key milestone in the season because of the jeopardy and extra spice involving tournament semi-final places and European qualification. We're looking forward to another great afternoon of PRO12 derbies."
Cardiff Blues take on the Ospreys in the first match of the day, which kicks off at 2.30pm, followed by the Newport Gwent Dragons' clash with the Scarlets at 5pm. Last year saw a record Welsh domestic rugby attendance of over 55,000 descend on the capital in April 2015, paying just £10 per head.
"The aspiration for Judgement Day has always been to fill the stadium to its rafters," said WRU Chairman Gareth Davies. "We achieved a record crowd figure for domestic rugby in Wales last year, but there is no reason to stop there. We have set ourselves the target of a sell-out in 2016, it's a bold statement but one that Welsh Pro Rugby and the Guinness PRO12 is more than equal to. At just £10 per head, fans can see the very best that Welsh rugby has to offer go head to head in regional colours in the grand surrounds of our national stadium".
Mark Davies, Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales, which represents the four professional teams Ospreys, Scarlets, Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff Blues, said: "Saturday 30th April 2016 is a date every supporter of Welsh rugby should book into the calendar now, as we look ahead with excitement to another huge double derby at the national stadium after such a positive day for Welsh professional rugby as a whole at Judgement Day this year".
BBC Wales Head of Sport Geoff Williams: "Judgement Day has become one of the highlights of the Guinness PRO12 season on Scrum V Live and Clwb Rygbi. It represents a key milestone in the season because of the jeopardy and extra spice involving tournament semi-final places and European qualification. We're looking forward to another great afternoon of PRO12 derbies."
|
Tickets can be purchased now at £10 per person, online from www.wru.wales/tickets by telephone from 0844 847 1881, in person from the WRU Ticket Office on Westgate Street, Cardiff or from each of the four regions. Both matches will be shown live on television with BBC Wales showing the first match and S4C the second.
|
|
St David's Day Success
Lewis-Merthyr Band recently enjoyed a very successful Brass & Voices gala concert in celebration of St David's Day at the iconic Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. The concert featured the band together with the massed male choirs of Morriston Orpheus & Pendyrus, under the direction of Wales' pre-eminent orchestral conductor, Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
Artistic Director of the Welsh Proms Cymru, Wales' National Classical Music Festival, Dr Arwel Hughes has held the positions of Associate Conductor at the Philharmonia Orchestra, Principal Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Associate Conductor at the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Principal Conductor of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, Denmark to name but a few.
Lewis-Merthyr were delighted to work with the Welsh maestro and two of Wales' pre-eminent choirs and look forward to returning to the Brangwyn Hall for the Welsh Regional Championships on Saturday March 19th.
For further information on all Lewis-Merthyr Band's forthcoming engagements, visit the engagements section of the website here To engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your event, please contact us here
Artistic Director of the Welsh Proms Cymru, Wales' National Classical Music Festival, Dr Arwel Hughes has held the positions of Associate Conductor at the Philharmonia Orchestra, Principal Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Associate Conductor at the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Principal Conductor of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, Denmark to name but a few.
Lewis-Merthyr were delighted to work with the Welsh maestro and two of Wales' pre-eminent choirs and look forward to returning to the Brangwyn Hall for the Welsh Regional Championships on Saturday March 19th.
For further information on all Lewis-Merthyr Band's forthcoming engagements, visit the engagements section of the website here To engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your event, please contact us here
|
|
|
LMB Record for Band Cymru
Recently the band recorded a 15 minute set for S4C / Rondo Media's "Band Cymru" competition. Lewis-Merthyr's programme reflected the band's versatile concert output and featured an eclectic range of music which included Paul Lovatt-Cooper's "Home of Legends", Peter Graham's "Whirlwind", Karl Jenkins' arrangement of "Abide With Me" and Dan Price' "Peacemakers". The recording of Home of Legends can be found below:
Brass & Voices for St David's Day
|
Join Owain Arwel Hughes CBE in the ultimate St David's Day celebration. Brass & Voices, a rousing evening of the great Welsh hymns and popular anthems, featuring the massed male choirs of Rhondda's Cor Meibion Pendyrus and Swansea's own Morriston Orpheus Choir, Symphonic Brass Wales, Lewis-Merthyr Band & Côr y Cwm. An evening not to be missed!
Tickets: £15, £12, £10 Box Office: 01792 637 300 www.ticketsource.co.uk/brangwynhall ----- Ymunwch ag Owain Arwel Hughes CBE i ddathlu Dydd Gŵyl Dewi mewn steil gyda “Pres a Lleisiau”, noson arbennig o emynau Cymraeg a ffefrynnau traddodiadol gyda chorau meibion Orffiws Treforus ger Abertawe a Phendyrus o Gwm Rhondda, Pres Symffonig Cymru, Band Pres Lewis-Merthyr a Chôr y Cwm. Noson i’w chofio! Tocynnau: £15, £12, £10 Swyddfa docynnau: 01792 637 300 www.ticketsource.co.uk/brangwynhall |
|
Lewis-Merthyr Band BBC Television Feature
On Friday February 12th, Lewis-Merthyr Band was featured on national television in BBC One Wales' The River Taff. Through the three part series, writer and fisherman Will Millard travels the length of the wild River Taff in south Wales, from its source high in the stunning Brecon Beacons to the Bristol Channel.
In the episode featuring the band, Will explores how the coal industry changed this beautiful landscape and its people forever. The river once ran black with coal dust, but is now one of the finest trout and salmon rivers in Wales. Will meets the members of the Lewis Merthyr Colliery Brass Band and fishes for grayling with a former miner who is now a champion fly-fisherman. He visits one of Britain's biggest open-cast coal mines and sees how this spectacular landscape is being reclaimed after centuries of mining.
The episode is available to view online via BBC iPlayer until March 11th here
In the episode featuring the band, Will explores how the coal industry changed this beautiful landscape and its people forever. The river once ran black with coal dust, but is now one of the finest trout and salmon rivers in Wales. Will meets the members of the Lewis Merthyr Colliery Brass Band and fishes for grayling with a former miner who is now a champion fly-fisherman. He visits one of Britain's biggest open-cast coal mines and sees how this spectacular landscape is being reclaimed after centuries of mining.
The episode is available to view online via BBC iPlayer until March 11th here
A Great Year Ahead
Building upon the successes of the past year, Lewis-Merthyr are now looking forward to a very exciting calender throughout the coming months, beginning with a recording session for S4C's Band Cymru competition with Rondo Media in early February, which will be swiftly followed by the band's appearance at the Welsh Open Entertainments Championships held at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.
These events are then swiftly followed by a grand scale "Brass & Voices" concert at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Saturday February 27th, where the band will appear with the massed male choirs of Morriston Orpheus & Pendyrus, Symphonic Brass Wales & Côr Y Cwm, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. Tickets for the concert can be purchased direct from the Brangwyn Hall via www.ticketsource.co.uk/brangwynhall Box Office: 01792 637 300
Lewis-Merthyr will then round off the first quarter of the year, returning to the Brangwyn Hall to compete in the annual Welsh Regional Championships on Saturday March 19th.
Full information on all the band's forthcoming engagements can be found in the engagements section of the site here Should you wish to contact to the band in relation to an engagement of your own, please contact us here
New members are always welcome at Lewis-Merthyr Band. The band rehearse twice weekly on Monday & Wednesday evenings, from 8:00-9:45pm and prospective contesting members should be of good First Section standard or above. For enquiries about membership of the band, please contact the Band Manager here
Our Youth Band rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, during term time, from 6:30-7:30pm. Membership of the Youth Band is open to all, from absolute beginners to established young musicians. Further information on the Lewis-Merthyr Youth Band can be found here
These events are then swiftly followed by a grand scale "Brass & Voices" concert at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Saturday February 27th, where the band will appear with the massed male choirs of Morriston Orpheus & Pendyrus, Symphonic Brass Wales & Côr Y Cwm, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE. Tickets for the concert can be purchased direct from the Brangwyn Hall via www.ticketsource.co.uk/brangwynhall Box Office: 01792 637 300
Lewis-Merthyr will then round off the first quarter of the year, returning to the Brangwyn Hall to compete in the annual Welsh Regional Championships on Saturday March 19th.
Full information on all the band's forthcoming engagements can be found in the engagements section of the site here Should you wish to contact to the band in relation to an engagement of your own, please contact us here
New members are always welcome at Lewis-Merthyr Band. The band rehearse twice weekly on Monday & Wednesday evenings, from 8:00-9:45pm and prospective contesting members should be of good First Section standard or above. For enquiries about membership of the band, please contact the Band Manager here
Our Youth Band rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, during term time, from 6:30-7:30pm. Membership of the Youth Band is open to all, from absolute beginners to established young musicians. Further information on the Lewis-Merthyr Youth Band can be found here
2015 News
Double Success at SEWBBA Championships
Lewis-Merthyr Band are delighted to be named joint Runner Up in the First Section of the 2015 Welsh League Championships following their Third Prize placing at the recent SEWBBA Championships held at the Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil.
Their reprised performance of Kenneth Downie's "Purcell Variations" found favour with the adjudicator, international euphonium soloist David Childs, who described the performance as "impressive" and "well shaped" with "some beautiful moments" and a "grandstand finale". The full adjudication can be found here
Chairman Paul Williams stated he was "delighted" with the result. "I never thought in June that the band could have achieved this position, particularly in such a short space of time. Roll on 2016!" while Musical Director, Craig Roberts offered "Huge thanks and congratulations to all members, new and longstanding, for all your achievements these past months".
Lewis-Merthyr Band now look forward to a series of festive engagements through December, including performances within the local community of Porth, Rhondda and the Paget Rooms, Penarth. Thereafter the band has a busy start to 2016, beginning with a recording session for BBC Radio Cymru for the S4C Band Cymru competition in January, and the Welsh Open Entertainments Championships at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl in February.
The band's full engagements for 2016 can be found here
SEWBBA Championships - Full Results
Their reprised performance of Kenneth Downie's "Purcell Variations" found favour with the adjudicator, international euphonium soloist David Childs, who described the performance as "impressive" and "well shaped" with "some beautiful moments" and a "grandstand finale". The full adjudication can be found here
Chairman Paul Williams stated he was "delighted" with the result. "I never thought in June that the band could have achieved this position, particularly in such a short space of time. Roll on 2016!" while Musical Director, Craig Roberts offered "Huge thanks and congratulations to all members, new and longstanding, for all your achievements these past months".
Lewis-Merthyr Band now look forward to a series of festive engagements through December, including performances within the local community of Porth, Rhondda and the Paget Rooms, Penarth. Thereafter the band has a busy start to 2016, beginning with a recording session for BBC Radio Cymru for the S4C Band Cymru competition in January, and the Welsh Open Entertainments Championships at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl in February.
The band's full engagements for 2016 can be found here
SEWBBA Championships - Full Results
- Markham & District - Matt Rowe (Tallis Variations)
- Blaenavon Town Band - James Jones (Chaucer's Tunes)
- Lewis-Merthyr - Craig Roberts (Purcell Variations)
- Ammanford - Glyn Davies (The Saga of Haakon The Good)
- Parc & Dare - Andrew Jones (Variations On A Ninth)
- City of Cardiff M2 - Robin Hackett (Rhapsody In Brass)
- RAF St Athan - Adrian Morton (Purcell Variations)
Youth Band relaunched!
Lewis-Merthyr have relaunched our Youth Band! Sessions for younger musicians take place on Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm with Principal Cornet Miss Louise Russell. Youth Band membership is open to all both established players and new beginners. Sessions cost just £2 per week which covers tuition, music provision and instrument loan. Further information can be found in the Youth Band section of the website here
Success at WWBBA Championships
Lewis-Merthyr Band were delighted to be awarded 2nd Prize in the First Section of the recent West Wales Brass Band Championships at Burry Port.
The band's performance of Kenneth Downie's "Purcell Variations" saw Lewis-Merthyr come a close second to our good friends at Markham & District, who performed George Bailey's classic "Diadem of Gold". Both performances were conducted by Lewis-Merthyr Musical Director Craig Roberts, making it both first and second prize placings for the MD.
Lewis-Merthyr Chairman, Paul Williams stated: "It's a incredible achievement for the band to be awarded Second Prize in the First Section of the championships, and a huge credit to the new team of players, and all who have worked so hard behind the scenes throughout recent weeks. We now look forward to a bright future ahead for the band".
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to their next contest performance at the SEWBBA Championship in Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday November 21 and additional engagements with the Jugendsinfonieorchester Ravensburg of Germany and Porth County Community School Choir.
For further information on all the band's forthcoming performances, please visit the Engagements section of the website here
WWBBA Championships - Full Results
The band's performance of Kenneth Downie's "Purcell Variations" saw Lewis-Merthyr come a close second to our good friends at Markham & District, who performed George Bailey's classic "Diadem of Gold". Both performances were conducted by Lewis-Merthyr Musical Director Craig Roberts, making it both first and second prize placings for the MD.
Lewis-Merthyr Chairman, Paul Williams stated: "It's a incredible achievement for the band to be awarded Second Prize in the First Section of the championships, and a huge credit to the new team of players, and all who have worked so hard behind the scenes throughout recent weeks. We now look forward to a bright future ahead for the band".
Lewis-Merthyr now look forward to their next contest performance at the SEWBBA Championship in Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday November 21 and additional engagements with the Jugendsinfonieorchester Ravensburg of Germany and Porth County Community School Choir.
For further information on all the band's forthcoming performances, please visit the Engagements section of the website here
WWBBA Championships - Full Results
- Markham & District - Craig Roberts (Diadem of Gold)
- Lewis-Merthyr - Craig Roberts (Purcell Variations)
- Parc & Dare - Andrew Jones (Pageantry)
- City of Cardiff M2 - Robin Hackett (Oceans)
- Ammanford - Glyn Davies (Fire In the Blood)
- RAF St Athan - Alan Bourne (Les Preludes)
Wales v Italy - Saturday September 5th
|
|
|
|
On Saturday September 5th, the Lewis-Merthyr Band performed to their largest ever audience at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
Performing together with the 130 piece mixed WRU massed choir, under the baton of Dr Haydn James, the band performed a selection of popular favourites, including Sanctus, Rachie (i bob un sydd ffyddlon), We’ll Keep A Welcome, Calon Lan, Sospan Fach, Hey Jude, Speed Your Journey (Va Pensiero), Yma o Hyd, and - of course - Cwm Rhondda.
The band also performed the Italian and Welsh national anthems, to the accompaniment of flamethrowers, and the delight of the 52 981 fans in attendance.
Lewis-Merthyr thoroughly enjoyed its first appearance at the national stadium and hope to return again sometime soon. Some images of the band in performance at the stadium can be found below, with some additional amateur footage of the match available on YouTube, via the below links.
To engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your function, concert or event, please contact us here
Performing together with the 130 piece mixed WRU massed choir, under the baton of Dr Haydn James, the band performed a selection of popular favourites, including Sanctus, Rachie (i bob un sydd ffyddlon), We’ll Keep A Welcome, Calon Lan, Sospan Fach, Hey Jude, Speed Your Journey (Va Pensiero), Yma o Hyd, and - of course - Cwm Rhondda.
The band also performed the Italian and Welsh national anthems, to the accompaniment of flamethrowers, and the delight of the 52 981 fans in attendance.
Lewis-Merthyr thoroughly enjoyed its first appearance at the national stadium and hope to return again sometime soon. Some images of the band in performance at the stadium can be found below, with some additional amateur footage of the match available on YouTube, via the below links.
To engage Lewis-Merthyr Band for your function, concert or event, please contact us here
|
|
|
