Childs to receive Iles Medal
The Worshipful Company of Musicians, formed in 1500, and one of the City of London's historic livery companies, has announced the 2024 recipient of its prestigious Iles Medal. This year it will be made to the international renowned euphonium soloist, recording artist and educator, David Childs. The Iles Medal was established in 1947 by John Henry Iles, a former Master of the Company, and is awarded annually to musicians who have made a significant contribution to the brass band movement. The formal presentation will be made later this year. Commenting on the award David said, "I am deeply honoured to be recognised with this award. To follow in a line of some of the most respected figures in the banding movement means a great deal to me and my family."
Already solo euphonium with the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, David was arguably catapulted into the public eye as the Brass Final winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2000. Since that time, he has continued to act as ambassador for the euphonium as a true concerto instrument, commissioning repertoire, appearing as guest soloist and recording artist with the world’s leading bands and orchestras. David’s global reputation has been hallmarked by performances at numerous iconic festivals and venues around the world, including the Concertgebouw, Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Symphony Hall, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall New York. He has premièred sixteen concertos for euphonium including a Royal Albert Hall BBC Proms broadcast of Alun Hoddinott’s, ‘Sunne Rising - The King Will Ride’, a Carnegie Hall US première of Sir Karl Jenkins’ ‘Concerto for Euphonium & Orchestra’, a UK premiere of Christian Lindberg’s’ Concerto for Euphonium & Orchestra’ directed by the composer, a Welsh Proms world première of Paul Mealor’s ‘Concerto for Euphonium & Orchestra’ and most recently a world premiere of Peter Graham’s ‘Force of Nature’ with the National Youth Band with his father at the helm.
During his career as a euphonium soloist, Childs has received many awards in recognition of his achievements, including: Arts Council Wales Creative Wales Award; Worshipful Company of Musicians Silver Medal Award; Welsh Music Guild’s Leo Abse & Cohen Award; Harry Mortimer Trust Award; RNCM Principal’s Gold Medal Award; Making Music’s Dorothy Green Award; Musicians Benevolent's Sir Charles Leggett Award; Countess of Munster Star Award, and many more. He has also received several accolades as a recording artist, including an ITEA Roger Bobo Excellence in Recording Award, and can be heard on several labels including EMI, Deutsche Gramophone, Erased Tapes, Doyen, Obrasso, World of Sound and Chandos, with whom he's released two critically acclaimed concerto albums with symphony orchestra.
A proud product of the British brass band tradition, Childs is a former member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, National Youth Brass Band of Wales, Brighouse and Rastrick, and Cory, with whom he was Principal Euphonium for ten years winning countless titles under the baton of his father and teacher, Robert Childs. In 2018 David Childs was appointed Professor of Euphonium at the University of North Texas and earlier this year his exceptional academic and musical contribution was marked by the University making him a Distinguished Research Professor. As a Buffet Crampon Besson Artist he continues to showcase the euphonium as a serious solo vehicle and inspires others through the work of his charitable organisation, Euphonium Foundation UK.
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