FOR its penultimate lunchtime recital of 2016, All Saints Church will welcome Blackweir Brass for next Monday’s (November 21) concert.

Comprising five young, but experienced musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Blackweir Brass was established in early 2016. Jac Thomas (trumpet), Alex Morgan (trumpet), Lynn Henderson (horn), Nick Macdonald (trombone) and Ben Pepler (tuba) make up this new brass quintet on the circuit.

Ben Pepler said: “We draw influence from many sources, given our varied backgrounds in performance. While some of us hail from areas with strong brass band tradition, the rest have spent time playing with wind bands, symphony orchestras and even in pit bands for musicals.”

They also take inspiration from brass ensembles like that of Phillip Jones, Septura Brass and Canadian Brass. Blackweir Brass aims to bring a mixture of styles to their playing, and as a result, their repertoire covers everything from Baroque to Contemporary, with some deviations in between.

Blackweir Brass’s programme for the All Saints concert will include Noson Lawen (an arrangement of Welsh folk songs), Handel's Celestial Concert, Fugues by Bach and Shostakovitch, and many more.

Dafydd Jones, All Saints Parish administrator and musical events organiser said: “We are very pleased to be able to give talented young musicians a performance platform at All Saints. The audience last Monday were absolutely entranced by the delightful programme provided by the Eilan Quartet, a string ensemble made up of third and fourth year undergraduates from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

"And following them next week we have a group of brass players who are guaranteed to give the All Saints concert-goers another hour of wonderful music. I am grateful to our lovely audiences who, week in, week out provide such a warm, friendly and supportive welcome to all our performers.”

All Saints Church is situated in the grounds of Victoria Squares. The building is completely accessible to all visitors.

Mr Jones added: “The Music at Lunchtime programme has only two more weeks to run. Following Blackweir Brass we are delighted to welcome two opera singers to All Saints for the first time. Zoe Milton-Brown (soprano) and Jonathan Stoughton (tenor), accompanied by Anthony Negus will bring the 2016 programme to a close on Monday, November 28.”

Music at Lunchtime recitals start at 1pm and last around an hour. Entry is free but donations towards the organ restoration fund are gratefully received. Teas and coffees are provided and concert-goers are encouraged to bring along their lunch and to eat cafe style on the Gallery while being entertained.