Tongwynlais Temperance Band Set to Visit Japan in April 2025, Funded by Taith
| Type of post: | Band news item |
| Sub-type: | News |
| Posted By: | Nils Richards |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Tue, 29 Oct 2024 |
The historic Tongwynlais Temperance Band, one of Wales’ premier championship section brass bands, is thrilled to announce an upcoming tour to Japan in April 2025, generously funded by Taith. This project, a unique cultural and educational exchange, will connect Wales and Japan through the universal language of music, coinciding with the Welsh Government’s “Wales in Japan 2025” campaign.
As part of this year-long initiative, “Wales in Japan 2025” will strengthen the relationship between Wales and Japan by showcasing Wales’ unique approach to sustainability through the Well-being of Future Generations Act. The campaign will include a range of cultural events, academic exchanges, and forums, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration between local communities, institutions, and businesses in areas of mutual interest. The Tongwynlais Temperance Band's visit will be a key part of these activities, offering a platform to highlight Welsh culture and values.
The Tongwynlais Temperance Band has been a cornerstone of community engagement and youth education in Wales since its inception. Despite challenges such as declining participation and limited funding for the arts, the band remains committed to its ethos of fostering musical excellence and community spirit.
The band also has a unique connection with Japan. Musical Director Owen Farr has previously visited Japan as a professional tenor horn soloist and conductor, strengthening his personal ties to the Japanese brass band community. Furthermore, one of the band’s members, Shoko Doherty, originally from Japan, has been living in Wales for the past 20 years and is deeply rooted in the brass band tradition, contributing to the strong cultural link between the two nations.
During their one-week visit to Japan, the band will take part in a series of joint rehearsals, concerts, workshops, and educational visits. This initiative aims to strengthen bonds between Welsh and Japanese musicians, promote cultural understanding, and offer a platform for learning and growth. By collaborating with their Japanese counterparts, the Tongwynlais Temperance Band hopes to leave a lasting impression on Japan’s brass band community, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
Musical Director, Owen Farr commented: "We are incredibly excited about this opportunity to travel to Japan and share our passion for brass band music with a nation that has such a growing appreciation for the British brass band tradition. Music has the unique power to transcend language barriers, and this tour will not only allow us to showcase Welsh music but also to learn from the enthusiasm and dedication of Japanese musicians.
This collaboration is a perfect example of how cultural exchanges can bring people together in the spirit of mutual respect and learning. I believe both our musicians and the Japanese brass band community will gain valuable experiences, and we look forward to the musical journey ahead. We’re deeply grateful to Taith for making this incredible opportunity a reality."
Taith: Promoting International Learning and Cultural Exchange
The project is proudly funded by Taith, a Welsh Government programme that champions international learning and cultural exchange. Taith’s ethos revolves around the belief that international collaboration is essential for fostering understanding, expanding horizons, and enhancing educational opportunities. By funding projects like this, Taith not only promotes international mobility but also emphasises the importance of lifelong learning and adult education.
For the Tongwynlais Temperance Band, this tour exemplifies the power of music as a tool for cross-cultural communication. It also highlights the critical role adult education plays in sustaining and enriching cultural traditions. Through Taith’s support, the band will not only showcase Welsh music to a global audience but also deepen connections through shared experiences and knowledge exchange.
The Importance of International Cultural Exchange
This project is about more than just music; it embodies the spirit of international cultural exchange, an opportunity to bring together different traditions, perspectives, and skills. In an increasingly interconnected world, such exchanges are crucial for breaking down barriers and building lasting relationships between nations.
By connecting Welsh and Japanese musicians, this initiative encourages participants to learn from one another, celebrate their differences, and find common ground through their shared passion for brass music. It also highlights how music can serve as a platform for both cultural preservation and innovation, enriching communities across the globe.
About Tongwynlais Temperance Band
With a rich history spanning over 135 years, the Tongwynlais Temperance Band has become one of the leading brass bands in Wales. After delivering another prize winning performance at the Welsh Regional Championships in March, the band looks forward to its ninth appearance at the Royal Albert Hall this October in the 2024 edition of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Rooted in the tradition of community service, the band remains dedicated to promoting musical education, particularly among young people. Despite the challenges faced by many amateur ensembles today, the band continues to inspire through its performances and its commitment to excellence.
As part of this year-long initiative, “Wales in Japan 2025” will strengthen the relationship between Wales and Japan by showcasing Wales’ unique approach to sustainability through the Well-being of Future Generations Act. The campaign will include a range of cultural events, academic exchanges, and forums, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration between local communities, institutions, and businesses in areas of mutual interest. The Tongwynlais Temperance Band's visit will be a key part of these activities, offering a platform to highlight Welsh culture and values.
The Tongwynlais Temperance Band has been a cornerstone of community engagement and youth education in Wales since its inception. Despite challenges such as declining participation and limited funding for the arts, the band remains committed to its ethos of fostering musical excellence and community spirit.
The band also has a unique connection with Japan. Musical Director Owen Farr has previously visited Japan as a professional tenor horn soloist and conductor, strengthening his personal ties to the Japanese brass band community. Furthermore, one of the band’s members, Shoko Doherty, originally from Japan, has been living in Wales for the past 20 years and is deeply rooted in the brass band tradition, contributing to the strong cultural link between the two nations.
During their one-week visit to Japan, the band will take part in a series of joint rehearsals, concerts, workshops, and educational visits. This initiative aims to strengthen bonds between Welsh and Japanese musicians, promote cultural understanding, and offer a platform for learning and growth. By collaborating with their Japanese counterparts, the Tongwynlais Temperance Band hopes to leave a lasting impression on Japan’s brass band community, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
Musical Director, Owen Farr commented: "We are incredibly excited about this opportunity to travel to Japan and share our passion for brass band music with a nation that has such a growing appreciation for the British brass band tradition. Music has the unique power to transcend language barriers, and this tour will not only allow us to showcase Welsh music but also to learn from the enthusiasm and dedication of Japanese musicians.
This collaboration is a perfect example of how cultural exchanges can bring people together in the spirit of mutual respect and learning. I believe both our musicians and the Japanese brass band community will gain valuable experiences, and we look forward to the musical journey ahead. We’re deeply grateful to Taith for making this incredible opportunity a reality."
Taith: Promoting International Learning and Cultural Exchange
The project is proudly funded by Taith, a Welsh Government programme that champions international learning and cultural exchange. Taith’s ethos revolves around the belief that international collaboration is essential for fostering understanding, expanding horizons, and enhancing educational opportunities. By funding projects like this, Taith not only promotes international mobility but also emphasises the importance of lifelong learning and adult education.
For the Tongwynlais Temperance Band, this tour exemplifies the power of music as a tool for cross-cultural communication. It also highlights the critical role adult education plays in sustaining and enriching cultural traditions. Through Taith’s support, the band will not only showcase Welsh music to a global audience but also deepen connections through shared experiences and knowledge exchange.
The Importance of International Cultural Exchange
This project is about more than just music; it embodies the spirit of international cultural exchange, an opportunity to bring together different traditions, perspectives, and skills. In an increasingly interconnected world, such exchanges are crucial for breaking down barriers and building lasting relationships between nations.
By connecting Welsh and Japanese musicians, this initiative encourages participants to learn from one another, celebrate their differences, and find common ground through their shared passion for brass music. It also highlights how music can serve as a platform for both cultural preservation and innovation, enriching communities across the globe.
About Tongwynlais Temperance Band
With a rich history spanning over 135 years, the Tongwynlais Temperance Band has become one of the leading brass bands in Wales. After delivering another prize winning performance at the Welsh Regional Championships in March, the band looks forward to its ninth appearance at the Royal Albert Hall this October in the 2024 edition of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Rooted in the tradition of community service, the band remains dedicated to promoting musical education, particularly among young people. Despite the challenges faced by many amateur ensembles today, the band continues to inspire through its performances and its commitment to excellence.
