Posted: 05/02/24
The innovative Derwent Brass has been in the spotlight recently, winning both the Brass Bands England ‘Innovation Award’ and Making Music ‘Green Award’, nominated for 4BR Band of the Year twice in succession, and is just 1 of 4 groups shortlisted for the 2024 Royal Philharmonic Society ‘Inspiration Award’.
Keen to maintain this trajectory, the band has now launched its inaugural International Composition Award with an emphasis on innovation.
“We have always looked for new and exciting opportunities to push the artistic boundaries of brass banding, be that in the music, presentation, or people we collaborate with. Our long-standing associations with Paul McGhee and Matt Eden for example have produced some fantastic results. However, we feel there is still so much untapped creativity out there and what better way to find it than via our composition award, largely free of the usual constraints, allowing for unshackled creativity.” (Graham Johnson, Band Chairman)
The competition is free to enter and invites advanced composers and music creators from across the world to work with and write for championship section brass band. For the winner, Derwent Brass is offering £1000 prize money, formal publishing, and a premiere live performance. Recordings will also be made of the final three works.
A unique adjudication panel of proven musicians and composers provides a wealth of experience, insight, and pedigree across multiple genres, consisting of Paul Hindmarsh, Paul McGhee, and Matthew Eden, alongside the band’s Music Director Jack Capstaff.
“This is a competition with a difference. We are looking for something new, innovative, and exciting; music that will be engaging and perhaps challenging to audiences of all backgrounds and that pushes the boundaries. Now is a fantastic time to collaborate with us to make a difference.” (Jack Capstaff, Music Director)
The deadline for 2024 applications is 12 May 2024 at 5pm.
Full details of eligibility, the timeline, rules, and application portal are available now via derwentbrass.co.uk/composition-award
