Cardiff University Symphonic Winds

Our Symphonic Winds ensemble have performed pieces from Thomas Tallis to John Adams.

Offering valuable opportunities to students to further develop their performance skills, Symphonic Winds welcomes woodwind, brass, and percussion players from across the University to join in and enjoy their exploration of the rich world of wind repertoire.

Under current director, Joe O'Connell, the ensemble explores canonic works by the likes of Gustav Holst and Eric Whitacre while introducing players and audiences to new repertoire from around the world by composers such as Jodie Blackshaw, Nicola Renshaw, and Kit Turnbull.

Symphonic Winds gives regular concerts and participates in the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF): at the 2023 National Festival they were delighted to receive a Gold Award in the Open Wind Band category.

For more information please contact Elin Jones.

Ensemble Leader: Joe O'Connell

Joe O'Connell is a lecturer in the School of Music. He trained as a clarinettist at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (2007) and has a wide range of performance experience within the worlds of classical and popular music alongside his work as an academic.

Joe has a wealth of experience of working with young musicians, having formerly conducted Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Senior Wind Band and its predecessor, Youth Wind Band. He has also worked as a woodwind tutor and chamber ensemble coach, privately and with the Young Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.