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.
Foden’s Band will raise the roof in a concert in St Asaph Cathedral on September 14th as part of this year’s North Wales International Music Festival 2024 which runs from September 12 to 21.
The 30-strong band, based in Sandbach, Cheshire, will be competing in the British Open Brass Band Championships – the world’s oldest music contest – 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.
The concert will be an extra special occasion for Foden’s Band as their president, royal composer Paul Mealor, is making his debut this year as the festival’s new Artistic Director.
The North Wales International Music Festival was established by Paul’s 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.
Prof Mealor, who has a brass background, was catapulted to international stardom in 2011, when 2.5 billion people – the largest audience in broadcasting history – heard his Motet, Ubi caritas performed by the choirs of Westminster Abbey and Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, at the Royal Wedding Ceremony of Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey.
He wrote the Kyrie sung by Sir Bryn Terfel at the King’s 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.
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 Tŷ Cerdd.
This year’s festival is also part funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for Denbighshire
Mark Wilkinson, Foden’s manager and principal cornet player, said: “This is the first time we’ve been involved and it’s an absolute honour. Acoustically, St Asaph Cathedral is really special. We performed there around 15 years ago and can’t wait to return. The North Wales International Music Festival is such a prestigious event and we’re really looking forward to it.
“We’ve been working with Paul on several projects and playing some of the pieces from his travels. We’re proud of that association with Paul and the fact that he has a brass background himself. It certainly helps to raise the band’s profile and we have regular conversations about the direction we want the band to go in.
“Paul is incredibly supportive in involving the band in many high-profile festivals. He actively promotes Foden’s on his travels, which we are very grateful for. We’re just in the process of finalising the set for the evening and will be working with Paul on what that will entail.”
The band, which originally formed in 1902 as part of Foden’s Motor Works, is in high demand across the globe.
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.
Prof Mealor, who was raised in Connah’s Quay, says Foden’s Band are part of an inspiring programme of world class musicians being lined up for the 10-day festival.
“I am delighted to welcome Foden’s Band to the North Wales International Music Festival 2024 for the first time in its history,” he said.
“They 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.
“I 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.”
Other headliners include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the King’s Singers, whom Paul describes as ‘the world’s finest vocal ensemble’, and Ar Log, one of Wales’ finest folk bands.
Another highlight this year will be the inaugural Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition that’s being funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust set up by festival sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation.
Entries for the competition are now being accepted via the festival’s website, www.nwimf.com and the closing date for applications is 5pm on August 31.
