A brass band currently ranked number one in the world is set to join the line-up of a globally renowned musical festival for the first time.<\/p>\n
Foden\u2019s Band will raise the roof in a concert in St Asaph Cathedral on September 14th as part of this year\u2019s North Wales International Music Festival 2024 which runs from September 12 to 21.<\/p>\n
The 30-strong band, based in Sandbach, Cheshire, will be competing in the British Open Brass Band Championships \u2013 the world\u2019s oldest music contest \u2013 in the Symphony Hall, Birmingham just a week before the gig and have already set their sights on attending the prestigious festival as British Champions.<\/p>\n
The concert will be an extra special occasion for Foden\u2019s Band as their president, royal composer Paul Mealor, is making his debut this year as the festival\u2019s new Artistic Director.<\/p>\n
The North Wales International Music Festival was established by Paul\u2019s mentor, Professor William Mathias, in 1972, and it has been a life-long dream for him to take the reins and inspire the next generation of musicians.<\/p>\n
Prof Mealor, who has a brass background, was catapulted to international stardom in 2011, when 2.5 billion people \u2013 the largest audience in broadcasting history \u2013 heard his Motet, Ubi caritas performed by the choirs of Westminster Abbey and Her Majesty\u2019s Chapel Royal, at the Royal Wedding Ceremony of Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey.<\/p>\n
He wrote the Kyrie sung by Sir Bryn Terfel at the King\u2019s Coronation, and was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) for his services to royal music as well as being presented with the Coronation Medal for his contributions to the service at Westminster Abbey.<\/p>\n
The festival has been made possible thanks to the support of headline sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which supports community and arts activities, the Arts Council of Wales, Colwinston Charitable Trust, Arts & Business Cymru and T\u0177 Cerdd.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s festival is also part funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for Denbighshire<\/p>\n
Mark Wilkinson, Foden\u2019s manager and principal cornet player, said: \u201cThis is the first time we\u2019ve been involved and it\u2019s an absolute honour. Acoustically, St Asaph Cathedral is really special. We performed there around 15 years ago and can\u2019t wait to return. The North Wales International Music Festival is such a prestigious event and we\u2019re really looking forward to it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been working with Paul on several projects and playing some of the pieces from his travels. We\u2019re proud of that association with Paul and the fact that he has a brass background himself. It certainly helps to raise the band\u2019s profile and we have regular conversations about the direction we want the band to go in.<\/p>\n
\u201cPaul is incredibly supportive in involving the band in many high-profile festivals. He actively promotes Foden\u2019s on his travels, which we are very grateful for. We\u2019re just in the process of finalising the set for the evening and will be working with Paul on what that will entail.\u201d<\/p>\n
The band, which originally formed in 1902 as part of Foden\u2019s Motor Works, is in high demand across the globe.<\/p>\n
Double National Champions of Great Britain in 2021 and 2022, the band performs around 35 domestic and overseas concerts every year and participates in five annual competitions. The youngest member is 19 and the eldest 59.<\/p>\n
Prof Mealor, who was raised in Connah\u2019s Quay, says Foden\u2019s Band are part of an inspiring programme of world class musicians being lined up for the 10-day festival.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am delighted to welcome Foden\u2019s Band to the North Wales International Music Festival 2024 for the first time in its history,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are truly one of the greatest brass ensembles in the world and have the silverware to prove it! Their inspiring story and closely preserved cultural heritage and roots make them a perfect addition to the festival and I have no doubt they will deliver another memorable evening of musical excellence.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have had the pleasure of working closely with the band for the past year in my role as president and I know how eager members are to return to this majestic setting which made a lasting impression on some of the more senior members of the band.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other headliners include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the King\u2019s Singers, whom Paul describes as \u2018the world\u2019s finest vocal ensemble\u2019, and Ar Log, one of Wales\u2019 finest folk bands.<\/p>\n
Another highlight this year will be the inaugural Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition that\u2019s being funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust set up by festival sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation.<\/p>\n
Entries for the competition are now being accepted via the festival\u2019s website, www.nwimf.com<\/a> and the closing date for applications is 5pm on August 31.<\/p>\n