On January 26th David performed the Horovitz Euphonium Concerto with the RNCM Brass Band under Michael Fowles in a matinee show, then couple of expertly crafted euphonium solos from the pen of Howard Snell with the Foden’s Band in the RNCM Festival of Brass evening Gala Concert at Bridgewater Hall broadcast on BBC Radio 3.


Bridgewater Hall Manchester

The British Bandsman Magazine reported on "a day of total immersion in brass band culture at Bridgewater Hall." Here is a quote from their report: 

"We haven't yet mentioned David Childs, who was guest soloist with both the RNCM Brass Band and Foden's. In Joseph Horovitz Euphonium Concerto, heard earlier in the day, we received a consummate lesson in elegant and uncomplicated performance, while it also felt as though the 42 year-old work, written in 1972 for Trevor Groom, held few technical challenges for this modern-day giant of the instrument. His evening performance was very different in nature, and while the ease with which he presented the towering melodies and technical 'Everest' of Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen was astonishing, the assembled members of the brass band press corps (as well as the Artistic Director) on the Bridgewater Hall Circle were among the many left open-mouthed at the soaring beauty present in Howard Snell's Oration. It was possibly the least complex work performed on the main stage all day, but the best things in life usually are."

Video: Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen arranged by Howard Snell, performed by David Childs & Foden's Band, conducted by the arranger.



4BR review: "David Childs made his second concert appearance of the day with a brace of impeccable performances. First up was the lollipop showstopper, Zigeunerweisen played with the type of electrifying brilliance that very nearly popped the lightbulbs in the hall’s space age lightening rigs. Zigeunerweisen was followed by the simply chilling beauty of Snell’s Oration - a composition of profound understated emotional loss. You could have heard a pin drop in the hall."

Video: Howard Snell's Oration performed by Foden's Band & David Childs, conducted by the composer.



  '