Cardiff Canton in Birmingham

A thoroughly enjoyable weekend was experienced when the Cardiff Canton Band, under the baton of Bandmaster Carl Saunders, visited Birmingham Citadel, 24 – 25 April 2010.

Much was made during the Saturday evening festival of the Cardiff band’s Welsh heritage, and to this end items such as Summon the Dragon (Peter Graham), Myfanwy (Kenneth Downie) and the horn solo Variations on a Welsh Theme (Kneale), played by Mike Saunders, were featured.

Other soloists performing during the concert included Jonathan Hayes (cornet), who played Rhapsody for Cornet and Band (Ray Bowes), Mel Benyon (euphonium), who played In Christ Alone (Richard Phillips) and Julian Weaver (pianoforte).

More reflective music included Vitae Lux (Alnaes), Swedish Folk Song (Peter Graham) and The Power of the Cross (Paul Sharman). Stirring performances of more challenging music such as Sirocco (Peter Graham) and Daystar (Ray Steadman-Allen) were particularly well-received.