Video
Below can be found a series of videos of Lewis-Merthyr Band, including our recent Atgofion Aberfan collaboration with Avant Cymru, National Eisteddfod of Wales performances at the Wales Millennium Centre, Boduan and Rhondda Cynon Taf; our S4C broadcast with Sir Bryn Terfel; and the central feature on the band from the BBC programme "The Taff - The River That Made Wales" with Will Millard
Also to be found below is footage of the band performing at the Principality Stadium for the Rugby World Cup, national anthem performances from the 2020 Six Nations tournament, plus items from performances at the Welsh Proms in the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff; at Llangollen Pavilion; and more
Additional, up to the minute videos of the band in performance are also available on our YouTube channel here
Archive footage of the band in the 1980s, plus Pathe newsreel footage of the band parading in front of HRH Edward, Price of Wales - later King Edward VIII - during a Royal visit to Wales in 1932(!) can be found in the Vintage Video section of the website here
If you have, or are aware of, any footage of the Lewis-Merthyr Band not included below, please contact us here
Also to be found below is footage of the band performing at the Principality Stadium for the Rugby World Cup, national anthem performances from the 2020 Six Nations tournament, plus items from performances at the Welsh Proms in the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff; at Llangollen Pavilion; and more
Additional, up to the minute videos of the band in performance are also available on our YouTube channel here
Archive footage of the band in the 1980s, plus Pathe newsreel footage of the band parading in front of HRH Edward, Price of Wales - later King Edward VIII - during a Royal visit to Wales in 1932(!) can be found in the Vintage Video section of the website here
If you have, or are aware of, any footage of the Lewis-Merthyr Band not included below, please contact us here
Lord of the Rings - National Eisteddfod of Wales 2024
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
National Eisteddfod of Wales 2023
A Day In The Life Of A Knight
A Day In The Life Of A Knight
by Phil Lawrence
Live Performance
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Lewis Merthyr Band
Conductor: Craig Roberts
March 2023
by Phil Lawrence
Live Performance
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Lewis Merthyr Band
Conductor: Craig Roberts
March 2023
The set work for the 2023 UK Regional Championships, Phil Lawrence' "A Day In The Life Of A Knight" is a most descriptive piece of writing - a story through music, if you will
The opening scene would depict standing on the battlements of a castle hearing the thundering hoofs of our brave Knight's horse miles in the distance. His arrival is expected, and his reputation is known across many lands. Today, he is to joust amongst mere mortal knights and compete for the hand of the fair (and local) Princess.He vanquishes all competitors and wins the day
The scene moves to evening and court where reception and dance is to be held for our winning knight. Both Knight and Princess become centre of attention during the dance. Their eyes only for each other. At last, the Knight has a chance to be alone with his Princess as they steal away from the celebrations to a star lit rampart above the castle gardens, where the Knight declares his ever-lasting love and pledges his life and of honour to her. He asks her hand, meanwhile monks pray in the below chapel hoping for union. She says yes. It is announced in court, then blown from the battlements
Day breaks: the Knight is brought word of evil doings back in his own land. He leaves word to the Princess that he will be back soon to take her hand. The trouble back home was a ruse to get him away from the Princess however so one of the vanquished, a dark knight in yesterday's joust, has summoned a dragon to kidnap the princess for his own. As the truth of the deception reaches our Knight he quickly returns to face the varlet that has taken his Lady. This time tis no joust, but a fight to the death with the dark knight and dragon. Our champion proves his best once again and wins the day, and the hand of his Princess forever! - Phil Lawrence
The opening scene would depict standing on the battlements of a castle hearing the thundering hoofs of our brave Knight's horse miles in the distance. His arrival is expected, and his reputation is known across many lands. Today, he is to joust amongst mere mortal knights and compete for the hand of the fair (and local) Princess.He vanquishes all competitors and wins the day
The scene moves to evening and court where reception and dance is to be held for our winning knight. Both Knight and Princess become centre of attention during the dance. Their eyes only for each other. At last, the Knight has a chance to be alone with his Princess as they steal away from the celebrations to a star lit rampart above the castle gardens, where the Knight declares his ever-lasting love and pledges his life and of honour to her. He asks her hand, meanwhile monks pray in the below chapel hoping for union. She says yes. It is announced in court, then blown from the battlements
Day breaks: the Knight is brought word of evil doings back in his own land. He leaves word to the Princess that he will be back soon to take her hand. The trouble back home was a ruse to get him away from the Princess however so one of the vanquished, a dark knight in yesterday's joust, has summoned a dragon to kidnap the princess for his own. As the truth of the deception reaches our Knight he quickly returns to face the varlet that has taken his Lady. This time tis no joust, but a fight to the death with the dark knight and dragon. Our champion proves his best once again and wins the day, and the hand of his Princess forever! - Phil Lawrence
Fulling Mill Lea
Fulling Mill Lea
by Chris Marshall
World Premiere Performance
Sunday July 10th 2022
Lewis Merthyr Band
Conductor: Craig Roberts
Theater Kerkrade, Netherlands
by Chris Marshall
World Premiere Performance
Sunday July 10th 2022
Lewis Merthyr Band
Conductor: Craig Roberts
Theater Kerkrade, Netherlands
"Fulling Mill Lea" is the exciting new work for brass & percussion from composer and commercial arranger, Chris Marshall The literal translation of Tonypandy, "Fulling Mill Lea" was commissioned by Rhondda's Lewis Merthyr Band, with the support of Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales. The work is built around the story of the 1910-11 Tonypandy (Rhondda) Riots, and was commissioned to mark the 110th anniversary of the event
The industrial strike of 1910-11 was an attempt by miners and their families to improve wages and living conditions in parts of Wales where wages had been kept deliberately low by a cartel of mine owners. The riots were a resultant series of confrontations between striking miners and police which took place at various locations in and around the Rhondda mines of the Cambrian Combine
The term "Tonypandy riot" initially applied to specific events on the evening of Tuesday 8 November 1910, when strikers smashed windows of businesses in Tonypandy. The strikers were impassioned by extended hand-to-hand fighting with the Glamorgan Constabulary, which had been reinforced by the Bristol Constabulary Home Secretary Winston Churchill's decision to then allow members of the British Army to be sent to the area to reinforce the police shortly after 8 November riot caused much ill feeling in South Wales. The future Prime Minister's responsibility for this remains a strongly disputed topic to this day
"Fulling Mill Lea" opens with the sounds of industry. Dramatic drums set the scene, followed by expansive statements depicting the majesty of the Cambrian Cable Tower. The sounds of the working mine follow, which progress well until the Tonypandy miners hit the controversial "difficult shelf". The frustration of the workers is evident, and are compounded when the owners' complaints about productivity arise. Work slows, the miners exhibit solidarity, production ceases and the colliery closes
A hard winter follows but the miners remain resolute. News of the strike reaches Churchill and negotiations are held but talks break down. An aleatoric section follows, where murmured voices are heard. Out of the dissent, the riot then ensues. A martial theme, based on strains of Cwm Rhondda, depicts the determination action of the miners, who move through the town of Tonypandy. Churchill digs in and troops are deployed. The British Grenadiers theme is heard, juxtaposed against the music of the miners, then a reprise of earlier material represents conflict. The miners' promised solidarity however, remains resolute
The strike continues, but one year on, the reality of another hard winter ahead sinks in. A beautiful, heartwarming theme, subtitled "We Will Always Have Each Other", represents the spirit and continued solidarity of the community, as the reality of the necessity to return to work sets in. A reprise of the music from the opening illustrates the reopening of the mine. The community theme also returns however and, interrupting the industrial reprise, builds to a majestic, triumphant conclusion. Brief echoes of the Westminster themes are heard, but the spirit of the community theme overcomes them and the pieces closes in grand, triumphant fashion
Brilliantly crafted in a cinematic style, Chris Marshall's composition is a fitting tribute to the events of 1910 and the enduring spirit of Tonypandy and the Rhondda
The industrial strike of 1910-11 was an attempt by miners and their families to improve wages and living conditions in parts of Wales where wages had been kept deliberately low by a cartel of mine owners. The riots were a resultant series of confrontations between striking miners and police which took place at various locations in and around the Rhondda mines of the Cambrian Combine
The term "Tonypandy riot" initially applied to specific events on the evening of Tuesday 8 November 1910, when strikers smashed windows of businesses in Tonypandy. The strikers were impassioned by extended hand-to-hand fighting with the Glamorgan Constabulary, which had been reinforced by the Bristol Constabulary Home Secretary Winston Churchill's decision to then allow members of the British Army to be sent to the area to reinforce the police shortly after 8 November riot caused much ill feeling in South Wales. The future Prime Minister's responsibility for this remains a strongly disputed topic to this day
"Fulling Mill Lea" opens with the sounds of industry. Dramatic drums set the scene, followed by expansive statements depicting the majesty of the Cambrian Cable Tower. The sounds of the working mine follow, which progress well until the Tonypandy miners hit the controversial "difficult shelf". The frustration of the workers is evident, and are compounded when the owners' complaints about productivity arise. Work slows, the miners exhibit solidarity, production ceases and the colliery closes
A hard winter follows but the miners remain resolute. News of the strike reaches Churchill and negotiations are held but talks break down. An aleatoric section follows, where murmured voices are heard. Out of the dissent, the riot then ensues. A martial theme, based on strains of Cwm Rhondda, depicts the determination action of the miners, who move through the town of Tonypandy. Churchill digs in and troops are deployed. The British Grenadiers theme is heard, juxtaposed against the music of the miners, then a reprise of earlier material represents conflict. The miners' promised solidarity however, remains resolute
The strike continues, but one year on, the reality of another hard winter ahead sinks in. A beautiful, heartwarming theme, subtitled "We Will Always Have Each Other", represents the spirit and continued solidarity of the community, as the reality of the necessity to return to work sets in. A reprise of the music from the opening illustrates the reopening of the mine. The community theme also returns however and, interrupting the industrial reprise, builds to a majestic, triumphant conclusion. Brief echoes of the Westminster themes are heard, but the spirit of the community theme overcomes them and the pieces closes in grand, triumphant fashion
Brilliantly crafted in a cinematic style, Chris Marshall's composition is a fitting tribute to the events of 1910 and the enduring spirit of Tonypandy and the Rhondda
Eastern Horizons
Eastern Horizons by Gareth Trott was commissioned by Lewis Merthyr in partnership with the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band. One of Lewis Merthyr's "New Directions" commissions, supported by strategic funds from the Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government
The work was premiered by the band at the 2022 Welsh Open Championships held at The Riverfront, Newport in February 2022, and by Grimethorpe at the Brass In Concert Championships held at The Sage, Gateshead
Eastern Horizons is structured in six movements - City of Diamonds (India); The Moscow High Life (Russia); Lanterns Fill The Night Sky (China); The Turkish Rakass (Turkey); Lament for a Forgotten Empire (Persia) and Sandstorm In Cairo (Egypt). China was omitted from the below performance due to time constraints on the event, but will be included in future concert performances
Lewis Merthyr are indebted to Gareth for this tremendous composition and look forward to working with him on additional future projects soon
The work was premiered by the band at the 2022 Welsh Open Championships held at The Riverfront, Newport in February 2022, and by Grimethorpe at the Brass In Concert Championships held at The Sage, Gateshead
Eastern Horizons is structured in six movements - City of Diamonds (India); The Moscow High Life (Russia); Lanterns Fill The Night Sky (China); The Turkish Rakass (Turkey); Lament for a Forgotten Empire (Persia) and Sandstorm In Cairo (Egypt). China was omitted from the below performance due to time constraints on the event, but will be included in future concert performances
Lewis Merthyr are indebted to Gareth for this tremendous composition and look forward to working with him on additional future projects soon
Symphonic Highlights from "Frozen"
This live performance of Symphonic Highlights from "Frozen" was recorded as part of the band's series of performances of "The Snowman - Live" at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley in December 2021. A one hour show for family audiences, the performance featured music by Slade, the full soundtrack to "The Snowman" accompanying a live screening of the movie, and more. Booking for December 2022 are now being taken. For full information, visit www.lewismerthyrband.com/the-snowman-live
Remembrance Day 2020 - Abide With Me, Last Post & Reveille
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 "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"
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 "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 above 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
Aberfan
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 resltant avalanche buried Pantglas Junior School and several neighbouring homes. 28 adults and 116 children were killed... To mark the 50th anniverary 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
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
VE Day 75
In Spring / Summer 2020, Lewis Merthyr musicians 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 were all understandably postponed.
As with other musical and wider community groups, the band were unable to meet to rehearse and perform together, but we simply couldn't let the 75th anniversary of VE Day pass however, without recording a tribute, albeit remotely and individually from 30 separate locations across South Wales and wider.
Here is our VE Day 75 tribute. Stay safe, stay healthy and - for now - stay home everybody
As with other musical and wider community groups, the band were unable to meet to rehearse and perform together, but we simply couldn't let the 75th anniversary of VE Day pass however, without recording a tribute, albeit remotely and individually from 30 separate locations across South Wales and wider.
Here is our VE Day 75 tribute. Stay safe, stay healthy and - for now - stay home everybody
Welsh Proms Cymru
On Wednesday July 24th 2019 and 2018, Lewis Merthyr Band featured together in Wales national classical music festival, the Welsh Proms Cymru at the national concert hall of Wales, St David's Hall, Cardiff. Conducted by Proms Artistic Director & Founder Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, the band performed together with 250 voice Massed Male Choir, RAFT St Athan Band and, in 2019, organist Robert Court.
Excerpts from the 2019 performance are available on the band's YouTube channel, including the below premiere performances of Craig Roberts' settings of Arwel Hughes' "Arwelfa" and Sanctus, and a setting by Mervyn Burtch of Handel Parker's "Deep Harmony", adapted for brass band & organ by Craig Roberts & Keith Griffin from the composer's original manuscript arrangement for brass band and male choir. The work was performed in celebration of the composer's 90th birthday, in the presence of Rita Burtch
Our "Brass & Voices of Wales" album, produced in partnership with the Welsh Proms, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, and also featuring the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, is available for download at www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com Physical copies of the CD are also available by mail order from
www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd
Excerpts from the 2019 performance are available on the band's YouTube channel, including the below premiere performances of Craig Roberts' settings of Arwel Hughes' "Arwelfa" and Sanctus, and a setting by Mervyn Burtch of Handel Parker's "Deep Harmony", adapted for brass band & organ by Craig Roberts & Keith Griffin from the composer's original manuscript arrangement for brass band and male choir. The work was performed in celebration of the composer's 90th birthday, in the presence of Rita Burtch
Our "Brass & Voices of Wales" album, produced in partnership with the Welsh Proms, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, and also featuring the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus, is available for download at www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com Physical copies of the CD are also available by mail order from
www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd
Arwel Hughes: "Arwelfa", transcribed for brass band by Craig Roberts
Arwel Hughes: "Sanctus", transcribed for brass band by Craig Roberts
Mervyn Burtch: "Deep Harmony", adapted for brass band and organ by Craig Roberts & Keith Griffin
National Eisteddfod of Wales
The band's live televised performance at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. August 2018
Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare - Richard Strauss / Arr. William Himes
The Way We Were - Marvin Hamlisch / Arr. Denzil Stephens
Soloist: Rhiannon Griffiths
Cossack Fire Dance - Peter Graham
Soloists: Tom Scaife (trombone), Ron Andrews (euphonium), Louise Russell (cornet)
Zulu - John Barry / Arr. Roger Thorne
Zulu is featured on our "Brass & Voices of Wales" album, produced in partnership with the Welsh Proms, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, and also featuring the Massed Male Choirs of Bridgend & Pendyrus.
The album is available for download at www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com
Physical copies of the CD are also available by mail order from www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd
The album is available for download at www.lewismerthyrband.bandcamp.com
Physical copies of the CD are also available by mail order from www.lewismerthyrband.com/cd
Land of Song Music Education in Wales Report Launch, RWCMD
On June 18th 2018, at the invitation of Member of the Welsh Parliament Rhianon Passmore MS, a symphonic brass ensemble from Lewis Merthyr Band appeared at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama alongside such prominent artists as Sir Karl Jenkins, Nicola Benedetti CBE, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, former Royal harpist Claire Jones and Owain Arwel Hughes CBE to launch the findings of the Professor Paul Carr's 'Land of Song' report into access to music education in Wales. The below video from the launch was produced by Super 8 Productions
Christmas Day Broadcast - Sir Bryn Terfel, Gwlad y Gân
On Christmas Day 2017, 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 Cwm Rhondda. The arrangement for brass was specially transcribed for the band & Sir Bryn by Welsh composer Christopher Painter, and featuring an "amen" ending written by the composer's son, the famous orchestral conductor Dr. Owain Arwel Hughes CBE.
BBC television feature - The Taff, The River That Made Wales
The band were recently featured on BBC television in "The Taff". The programme has been incredibly popular and successful, and has been repeatedly screened on BBC Two, BBC Four and BBC Wales. The central feature on Lewis-Merthyr Band and Trustee Ivor England from Episode Two of the series can be found below
Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Wales vs Italy Rugby World Cup International
The band has featured at the national stadium on numerous occasions, performing for the Wales v Italy Rugby World Cup International, Judgement Day and corporate occasions, in front of tens of thousands of attendees and worldwide television audience. Amateur video footage taken from the crowd of the band's performances of the national anthem can be found below
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Judgement Day
Lewis-Merthyr Band and Massed Choir at the Principality Stadium - Judgement Day 2016 - Cwm Rhondda
Wales Womens Six Nations Rugby International Home Series
Cardiff Arms Park
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Vintage Video
Music - John Miles
Below is a video of the Massed Bands of Lewis Merthyr and Cory, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes, and performing John Miles' "Music" at St David's Hall, Cardiff in the late 1980s
A Gloucester Psalm
Below is a video of the premiere recording of John Golland's "A Gloucester Psalm". Golland, a master composer for brass, enjoyed a strong relationship with the band during the 1980s. The band were in fact the first band to also record and broadcast perhaps Golland's best known work, "Sounds".
"A Gloucester Psalm" was performed by the band in concert at Gloucester Cathedral itself, together with Gloucester Cathedral Choir, on October 9th, 1983. The performance was conducted by longstanding former Musical Director of Lewis Merthyr Band, 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. The work now forms a central element of a new project the band plans to explore in 2021/22.
Performances of additional works from the 1983 Gloucester Cathedral concert, plus additional vintage videos of the band in performance from the 1980s back even to 1932, can be found in the Vintage Video section of the website here
"A Gloucester Psalm" was performed by the band in concert at Gloucester Cathedral itself, together with Gloucester Cathedral Choir, on October 9th, 1983. The performance was conducted by longstanding former Musical Director of Lewis Merthyr Band, 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. The work now forms a central element of a new project the band plans to explore in 2021/22.
Performances of additional works from the 1983 Gloucester Cathedral concert, plus additional vintage videos of the band in performance from the 1980s back even to 1932, can be found in the Vintage Video section of the website here
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BBC Listen to the Band
The below is taken from an archive recording from a BBC Listen to the Band programme, recorded on February 4th 1981 at the BBC Studios, Llandaff
Parading for Royalty
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 can be found here The band can be clearly seen - and heard! - c.0:55 seconds into the video.
An article in Wright & Round's Brass Band News of January 1933 confirms that the band is indeed the Cymmer Band
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[*]
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[*]
Welsh Open Championships 2020
Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl
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