Page 43 - RPS Awards 2023 Coverage Book

He also thanked the National Orchestra of Wales and their conductor Ryan
Bancroft, its Chief Executive Lisa Tregale and Ian Porthouse and Tredegar Band
for bring the work to the Proms stage — and performing it so brilliantly.

He also added: "Go and hear brass bands — and go and hear Tredegar Band.
They'll blow your bloody socks off!"

Recorded

Gavin later told 4BR: "It's incredible. I can't thank Ryan, Ian, Lisa, the National
Orchestra of Wales and Tredegar Band enough. The Proms appearance at the
Royal Albert Hall was something very special, but so was this. Now we need to

get it recorded!"

On the same night as the awards the National Orchestra of Wales gave a

performance of his acclaimed cantata 'The Faerie Bride' at the Hoddinott Hall in
Cardiff, with the orchestra tweeting their own congratulations to him on hearing
the news.

Incredible talent

Adding his congratulations, Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse added: "Being part of
the process and the ultimate world premiere performance of Gavin's work was
an incredible honour for the band. We have long recognised his incredible
talent, so I think people will understand our pride at him gaining this deserved
award.

He is one of the most important composers to write for the brass band medium
and to be able to project it into a different sphere of musical significance."

His "love letter to brass bands" was described as a "visionary

work that unites two great national traditions, unleashing

extraordinary lyricism and energy"4BR

Brabbins — Conductor of the Year

There was also much to celebrate with the announcement of Martyn Brabbins
as 'Conductor of the Year'.