News Release

The internationally-renowned Greater Gwent Youth Wind Symphonia from Wales will perform a classical program 2–3:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 in the Koret Auditorium at the Main Library. The 40–piece woodwind, brass and percussion group will play pieces from composers from both sides of the Atlantic, including Richard Saucedo, Eric Whitacre, John Barnes Chance, Leonard Bernstein, Frank Tichelli, Edward Gregson, and others. Cajun Spice, a smaller group made up of symphony members, will perform New Orleans-style jazz 1:20–1:40 p.m. on the Main Library’s Larkin Street steps.

The Greater Gwent Youth Wind Symphonia is comprised of the most talented students in woodwind, brass and percussion from the four unitary authorities of Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Newport in Wales. These young musicians, who range in age from 15 to 21, went through a rigorous selection process to gain admission to the symphony. They meet annually in the fall for an intense series of courses that lead to a regular program of high profile events throughout the academic year. The full symphony is made up of 110 students.

The group has performed internationally throughout the United Kingdom, Italy, New Zealand and other locales. For the last six years, it has taken part in the National Festival of Music for Youth. This prestigious event is widely recognized as being the most important in the Calendar of Youth Music Festivals. The Festival takes place over a weeklong period in July every year on London’s South Bank and celebrates the very best of youth music-making.

The Greater Gwent Youth Wind Symphonia has been invited to perform at The Royal Festival Hall for the last six years, and in 2003 was presented with the “Highly Commended Award” for their performance of Martin Ellerby’s “Dona Nobis Pacem.” Under the leadership of its director Paul Hornsby, the band has met the challenge of many exciting contemporary compositions by composers who are at the cutting edge of symphonic wind writing. Apart from their regular appearance on the South Bank the band play annually at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff, one of Wales’ premier concert halls.

This program is free and open to the public.
For more information, please call (415) 557-4277.