Robert Childs is Principal Conductor and Music Director of the principality's premiere band - 'Cory'
There are still over 2000 brass bands in the UK and on September 15th the top 18 competed in the most prestigious festival in the brass band calendar - the 'British Open Championships' at Birmingham's Symphony Hall.
On Stage in Birmingham
The Cory Band from the Rhondda South Wales were victorious beating Yorkshire's finest outfits including the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Black Dyke Mills Band and Brighouse & Rastrick moving them into pole position of the official brass band world rankings.
Cory's winning performance of Downie's 'Visions of Gerontius' was described as, "a colossal performance of sheer musical class from beginning to end." It certainly found favour with the adjudicators and proved unbeatable on the day giving members of the Cory Band something to celebrate.
The celebrations begin in the Tredegar Arms Public House
Wales may not have done so well in this year's Rugby World Cup, but at least they can be proud to have the best brass band in the World! Having taken the British Open Shield back to Wales for a 3rd time in 7 years there was a great deal of media interest from newspapers, television and radio.
Radio's Roy Noble takes a closer look at the shield at the BBC Studios Cardiff
Robert celebrates on stage with his children: Lisa & David.
A good night had by all... |
