David & Dr. Karl Jenkins on 7th Avenue

Complete reviews will eventually appear in the review section of this site, but here are some quotes to begin with.

"As Artistic Director for Distinguished Concerts International New York, I
had the distinct pleasure of being a member of the audience in the United
States Premiere of Karl Jenkins' Euphonium Concerto and the Carnegie Hall
debut appearance of David Childs as the soloist. The New York audience was mesmerized by David's playing, and enthusiastically recognized his
presentation as a true virtuoso of the instrument. I would concur that not
only is David a Euphonium player of the highest standard, but is a
musician's musician. Bravo David." Jonathan Griffith - Artistic Director DCINY


David with Jonathan Griffith outside the iconic Carnegie Hall

Excerpts from a Review by Dr Stephen Allen - Professor of Music Fine Arts Rider University: '93The euphonium repertoire continues to grow apace, and admirers of concerti drawing their inspiration from popular sources in the tradition of Vladimir Cosma will surely welcome the new concerto by Karl Jenkins with open arms. Thank God for David Childs, who not only commissioned this brilliant new work via his own Euphonium Foundation UK, but also played with such astounding technical assurance '96 and from memory '96 at Carnegie Hall on Saturday March 6th 2010 the composer conducting.'94

'93What better British Ambassador of the younger generation than David Childs, most definitely a '91Welsh Wizard'92 in the euphonium-star tradition of Father Robert, Uncle Nicholas and late Grandfather John.'94

'93The Jenkins concerto, first performed by David at the Welsh Proms in 2009, is in four movements rather than three, loosely following the '93head-heart-feet-whole body'94 format of (humanist) symphonic design, although '91symphonic'92 is too strong a designation for this particular work, which wears its classical pretensions lightly '96 however one should remember that several Haydn and Mozart symphonies do just that also. Jenkins has stated: '91As is my wont, I'92ve endeavored to make the concerto somewhat quirky and '93off the wall.'94'92



'93The first movement '91Juggler'92 unapologetically exploits the agility and virtuosity of the instrument in a fun context. The music is episodic beginning with a minimalist texture over which the euphonium '91tweets'92 three short calls before riffing around. The movement is broken up by two waltzes '96 the first dance.'94

The '91Romanza'92 is reminiscent of Karl'92s '91Benedictus'92 from The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace '96 a movement associated with David in a transcription that can be viewed on You Tube. It is simple music, one might almost say innocent and na'efve in the best sense, celebrating conjunct melodic shapes with light harmonic accompaniment in the spirit of a tranquil folk-meditation somewhat reminiscent of Shostakovich in movie mode. Writing effective music in this style that avoids the pitfalls of clich'e9 is much harder to accomplish than one might think, and both Karl'92s melodic gifts and David'92s warm, lyrical abilities are finely showcased here.

'91It Takes Two'85'92 is an improvisation for the soloist. The music is in the form of a tango '96 the spirit of dance again, this time Argentinean '96 the euphonium '91partnering'92 a number of instruments while '91breaking out'92 from time to time in roiling roulades. A judicious use of multiphonics rounds off the coda.

The finale '91A Troika? Tidy!'92 exploits the kind of techniques more familiar through the air-and-variation and czardas-type solos clearly designed to bring the house down. A nice change of gear toward the end suddenly ushers in a rapturous interlude leading to a brief cadenza and staggering pyrotechnics in a variety of cross-rhythms conducted over the steady chug of sleigh-bells. A rollicking coda sets off all the fireworks bringing the work to a cracking end.'94

'93David'92s marvelous performance was rightly received with a standing ovation. The euphonium is often described, somewhat patronizingly, as '91the cello of the band'92. In the aftermath of this concert, I for one am looking forward to the day when the cello is described as '91the euphonium of the orchestra.'92 Well, we can all dream can'92t we?'94


David and proud parents Lorraine & Robert, with composer Karl Jenkins back stage

Part of a review by Byron Griffith (Musicologist - New York State): '93He gained a standing ovation from the near capacity hall in a performance which composer and conductor, Karl Jenkins described as '91absolutely breathtaking'92.

'93The first half of the concert featured music by Karl Jenkins and included, Palladio and two sacred songs from Stabat Mater and The Armed Man. The major work which concluded the first half was Jenkins'92 Euphonium Concerto written especially for virtuoso euphoniumist David Childs. The four movement work was given its USA Premiere in stunning fashion. Childs delivered the twenty-five minute work with style, assurance, effortless technique and consummate musicality (and all from memory too!). From the first note of the first movement to the last note of the Troika (fourth movement) he had the audience sitting on the edge of their seats.'94


David enjoying the audience reaction

Aaron Vanderweele '96 Former Euphonium Soloist of New York Staff Band: "What a thrill it was to hear David again - this time at the famous Carnegie Hall on Saturday night, March 6. I found myself just as inspired and in awe of his world class talent as the sea of young tuba and euphonium students that surrounded me in the hall. Karl Jenkins' new euphonium concerto provided a rich, lyrical landscape that lent itself well to David's sonorous sound. He is a consummate musical communicator who effortlessly
manoeuvred through the various moods of the music - from the insane
acrobatics of his technique to the delicate and even flirtatious mood of
the tango. For those of us who long to see the euphonium on par with its
brass counterparts, the trumpet and trombone as a key solo instrument, it
is encouraging to see the euphonium's musical platform advancing in the
hands of talented and gracious musicians like David."


Family Support: David enjoying some down time with brother in-law (Olly), Sister (Lisa) and wife (Joanne).

Iris Derke - General Director '96 DCINY: "Not only was it a pleasure, it was a genuine treat to have David Childs share his unbelievable talents with DCINY and the lucky concert goers who attended Saturday night's concert at Carnegie Hall. With Mr. Childs' artistry and sheer dexterity the euphonium has now garnered a top slot in the concerto world. With Dr. Jenkins at the podium, Mr. Childs' played well the role of showman and technician, exhibiting rips, roars and runs one never knew that this lyrical instrument was capable of, and all done with ease and a wonderful and engaging stage presence. Karl Jenkins has written a stunning work for this fine instrument that with Mr. Childs' talents will most certainly reach new audiences and shine a spotlight on them both."


David & Wife Joanne in Central Park relaxing prior to the Concert.

Jason Ham - USA Yamaha Artist: "As one who is constantly trying to advance the euphonium here in the USA, it is important that the instrument be seen and heard in our very best venues by the very best performers throughout the nation. As you can imagine, it was indeed a treat to witness a bit of history when the incomparable David Childs took the stage in Carnegie last Saturday evening. Having been in his place on that very stage, I knew what he was feeling...only this time, it was on an entirely different level! His sound and technique were precisely what you would expect from a virtuoso, and the feel for the Jenkins concerto was well-thought and mastered. What an added bonus it was to see the music being so accurately performed from memory, which so rarely happens from even the best soloists! It was truly wonderful to see a critical New York audience give Dave the standing ovation he rightly deserved."