World’s most popular classical work set to draw new audiences to Brass Band at home and abroad.

New transcription and recording of the complete Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for Tenor Horn and Brass Band, by leading soloist Owen Farr and the Tongwynlais Temperance Band, is set to introduce the audience for popular classical music to the sound of brass.

The band's Musical Director Own Farr, one of the world’s leading brass soloists and conductors with the help of the Tongwynlais Temperance band has set out to introduce the classical music lover to the sounds of the brass band.  Following a successful weekend of recording, the creative partnership has released and will perform a full transcription for brass and Tenor Horn of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons later this year. It aims to ensure that audiences familiar with the baroque classic can experience the unique and virtuosic capabilities of the contemporary brass band.

Owen Farr said, “Vivaldi pioneered virtuosic and programmatic performances. He challenged performers and entertained audiences in equal measure. His Four Seasons is an accessible work and one that provides a stern challenge for soloist and the accompanying players.

“It’s also a work that is recognisable to fans of classical music and is an ideal choice to build a bridge with a new audience for the brass band.”

Testament to the work’s enduring appeal and the increasing popularity of Brass Bands, the faithful transcription for tenor horn will be premiered by Brass Band Berner Oberland in Steffisberg, Switzerland on Sunday 27th February.

Later in 2025 with members of the Tongwynlais Temperance Band performances will also help build bridges of the cultural kind as the band undertakes a tour of Japan. The visit to cities of Tokyo, Saitama and Utsunomiya will form part of the Welsh Government’s Wales Japan 2025 programme alongside its busy schedule of concert and contest performances.

The band made up of amateur musicians consists of members of all ages and professions coming together to rehearse and perform to the highest standard in their spare time.

Embarking on its first international tour in its 137-year history, Andrew Robins, chairperson of the band added, “The band has been fortunate to receive assistance form the Welsh Government’s Taith programme which supports international exchange and mobility. Thanks to Taith, we will be able to take the band to new audiences in Japan as its bands often lead internationally on embracing new audiences and performers.”

The band has already performed sections of the work at a concert showcasing the talent of its Youth Academy. It will feature as part of its ongoing commitment to share the sound and unique history of brass banding with new generations of performers and audiences at home and abroad.

The tour is part of the Welsh Government’s Japan – Wales 2025 initiative and funded by the Taith international mobility and exchange programme.