Tongwynlais Temperance Band announces new MD

The Tongwynlais Temperance Band has appointed international tenor horn soloist and teacher Owen Farr as it’s resident Musical Director. 

A Besson Artist engaged in the development of their range of tenor horns, Owen divides his time working at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff University. He maintains a busy teaching commitment while continuing to be one of the world's leading tenor horn soloists and principal horn with the Brass Band of Battle Creek.

Owen began his musical career with the Pontypool Brass Band at the age of six and soon joined Gwent County Youth Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Just 10 years later he was appointed as Solo Horn for the Tredegar Town Band and on entering the Royal Northern College of Music, he soon joined Williams Fairey Band. Returning to Wales he took up the role of Principal Horn in the then Buy as You View, Cory Band. 

Band Manager Iestyn Davies said, “This is a significant appointment for Ton as we return to working with a resident MD in a professional capacity. The band has appointed Owen to oversee the band’s musical output and to set its new creative and artistic direction.  We look forward to him taking up his role in January and have enjoyed working with him over the Christmas period.”

Over the last two decades the band  has represented Wales in the British Open, the National Finals and the European Championship. Working with Create Music Education, it hosts the Tongwynlais Music Academy, a partnership with local music tutors to deliver education and tuition and is continuing to expand its range of community events and concerts.

Owen Farr added, “In taking up the role I am very aware of the long history of the band and recent successes. Their commitment to developing strong links with the community and youth music is great to see as is their commitment and approach to music making.   There is an exciting time ahead and I’m looking forward to working on a schedule concerts, contests, collaborations and recordings with the band.”

27 December 2022