Composer In Residence with The Cory Band

Since 2015, Christopher has been Composer in Residence to the world-famous Cory Band, working with the band on new music, solos, arrangements and outreach projects, and performances of his work by the band played on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3 & Classic FM.

In 2015, the band commissioned 'Aristotle's Air' as part of their prize-winning Brass in Concert performance, with the piece itself winning the Cyril Beere Memorial Trophy for the Best New Composition or Arrangement. Solo projects have included 'Song of the Night Sky' and 'Showcase', featured on Tom Hutchinson's debut album, In Principal, 'Over the Horizon' for Steve Stewart, and 'A New Dawn' for Owen Farr, both featured on their albums of the same names.

Cory Band have given debuts of all of Christopher's test-pieces, premiering 'Corineus' at the 2018 Festival of Brass at the Royal Northern College of Music, 'The Lost Village of Imber' at the 2020 Festival of Brass, and providing the debut recording of 'Neverland' for the 2020 UK Regional Championships album.

About The Cory Band

The Cory Band made history in 2016 by winning an elusive Grand Slam and becoming the first band in history to be Quadruple Champions - simultaneously holding the National, Open, European and Brass in Concert titles. This cemented a remarkable ten consecutive years at the top of the World Rankings. However, the band has a long and illustrious history. Formed in 1884, it originally bore the name 'Ton Temperance'. In 1895 Sir Clifford Cory, the local colliery owner, heard the band and offered to provide financial assistance, resulting in the band's change of name to Cory.

In 1980, the band became European Champion and in 1984, its centenary year, it won the third in a hat-trick of National titles at the Royal Albert Hall, London, conducted by the charismatic Major Arthur Kenney. In 2000 the band achieved a historic double by winning both the Nationals and, for the first time in its history, the British Open, conducted by Dr. Robert Childs. In 2008-10 the band achieved a hat-trick of European titles.

Since 2012, the band has been conducted by Philip Harper, winning another three European titles (2013, 2016, 2019), four Nationals (2013, 2015, 2016 & 2019), five Brass in Concert titles (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019) and three British Open (2016, 2018, 2019). In 2014, it became the inaugural winner of TV Channel S4C's Band Cymru programme and repeated this achievement in 2018. It toured Australia in 2013, and the USA in 2016; 40 years after its last visit.

The Cory Band has also developed musically outside of the contest field. In 2001, together with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, it was appointed as resident ensemble to the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, and in the same year appointed Dr. John Pickard as its Composer in Residence. John Pickard's tenure with the band ended in 2005 when the band made history giving the premiere performance of his Gaia Symphony at the prestigious Cheltenham International Festival. The Symphony was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and lasting over an hour in duration, is currently the largest scale original work in the repertory.

The Cory Band is recognised as one of the Principality's finest and most innovative music ensembles. Its numerous CD recordings and live concert performances have received worldwide acclaim.

The Cory Band In Concert

Aristotle's Air, Christopher Bond (2015)

Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen arr. Christopher Bond (2019)

The Lost Village of Imber, Christopher Bond (2020)