Owen Farr has helped put Pontypool, South Wales, on the musical map with his world-class tenor horn playing and dedication to brass education. Beginning his musical journey at just six years old with Pontypool Brass Band, Owen quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Principal Horn with both the Gwent County Youth Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. In 1995, he was named British Open Junior Solo Champion and, at 16, became Solo Horn for Tredegar Town Band. 

Owen went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music, joining the Williams Fairey Band within six months. He earned “Player of the Year” from his fellow band members and played a key role in two National Finals victories. Upon graduating in 2002, he was immediately appointed Tenor Horn Teacher at the RNCM and also took on a teaching role at Liverpool University. 

A founding member of Sonar Brass, Owen has performed on national broadcasts including Listen to the Band and Friday Night is Music Night. He is a passionate advocate for tenor horn pedagogy, holding teaching positions at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Birmingham Conservatoire, and serves as a Besson clinician, touring widely to promote the instrument. 

Returning to Wales in 2004 to join the Buy As You View Band, Owen continues to inspire through his lyrical tone, technical brilliance, and dedication to music education. His unique blend of artistry and scholarship secures his place among the foremost brass musicians and educators of his generation.