Posted: 27/09/24
Winner of the Derwent Brass International Composition Award 2024 Announced
The Derwent Brass International Composition Award (DBICA) launched in 2024 places innovation at the heart of its criteria and attracted over 30 entries from composers across the world. Following a longlist process review the shortlisted finalists were:
- Capriccio Mancunio (Tim Jackson)
- New Beginnings (Becky Lund)
- The Haçienda (Aaron Breeze)
The three works were recorded by the band and then judged by a highly experienced panel consisting of Paul Hindmarsh (Professional Producer, Editor and Artistic Director of the RNCM Festival of Brass), Paul McGhee (Multi-Award Winning Composer and the band’s Contemporary Music Associate), Matthew Eden (the band’s Associate Composer, former Composer in Residence at Black Dyke and RNCM Gold Award Finalist) and Jack Capstaff (Composer, Arranger, Adjudicator, Commentator and the band’s Music Director).
Whilst enjoying the varied styles of all final works, the panel were in full agreement in selecting The Haçienda as the winning work, composed by Aaron Breeze.
Music Director Jack Capstaff commented:
“All of us on the judging panel were in agreement that, while the piece may not necessarily offer the most extensive harmonic variety, its creative approach is both assured and compelling. The rhythmic energy really draws you in, and the scoring is effective in maintaining that momentum.
“The inclusion of optional percussion and piano lines, far from being an afterthought, genuinely enhances the composition, adding layers that elevate the overall impact. The work has that Acid Brass vibe mixed with various intricacies making it engaging, inventive and vibrant.
“We have really enjoyed the whole artistic process and are delighted with the outcome of our composition award, particularly in its inaugural year. Participants have been grateful for the opportunity to showcase more innovative work for brass band - we therefore hope to repeat the award in the near future and encourage people to enter.
“Our thanks to everyone who has supported the process, the entrants, fellow judges, Keith Johnson from KMJ recordings, Lindsey James, and once again congratulations to our finalists - Tim, Becky and Aaron.”
Winner – Aaron Breeze (The Haçienda)
Aaron is a versatile artist with skills in composition, video editing, and piano performance. He studied composition at the RNCM under Professor David Horne and Dr. Larry Goves, graduating in 2019 with Distinction, and has received support from The Countess of Munster Musical Trust and the Radcliffe Trust. His work has been featured globally and on BBC Radio 3, where he performed as both a composer and pianist. Breeze has collaborated with New Order and worked extensively with the Manchester Video Game Orchestra. Recently, he has served as ballet repetiteur at Landestheater Linz and is currently the musical director of Denton Brass Band.
The Haçienda is inspired by the iconic Manchester nightclub of the same name – also known as FAC51 - blending elements of euphoric dance music with influences taken from Aaron’s recent brass work and other productions. New Order famously opened the club in collaboration with the record label Factory Records, playing a central role in the city’s cultural scene during the 1980s and 1990s. The piece represents a fusion of these diverse worlds, capturing the energy, passion, and community of the nightclub’s heyday, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to have won the inaugural Derwent Brass composition competition. It’s an incredible honour to have my work recognised in this way, especially alongside such talented composers. Since conducting Denton Brass Band from 2022, I’ve been exploring this genre, and writing for brass has been a rewarding challenge. I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute to this body of music. I was particularly impressed by how the band captured the atmosphere I envisioned, especially with those fat bass tones! It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m proud to have been part of such an innovative project." (Aaron Breeze)
Runner Up - Tim Jackson (Capriccio Mancunio)
Tim completed his PhD in Musical Composition at the University of Manchester in the late 2000s and has performed throughout the UK. His composition, Capriccio Mancunio, reflects the vibrant soundscape of Manchester and is structured in three sections leading to a recurring chord sequence. The first section features fragmented motifs over a dynamic perpetuum mobile, while the second develops aleatoric textures with some musicians conducted and others performing independently. The final section focuses on a chord sequence played and sung by lower brass instruments, building into a contrapuntal climax and concluding with the trombones delivering the last five sung chords.
Runner Up – Becky Lund (New Beginnings)
Becky is a recent graduate of the University of York, where she earned a first-class degree in music. With experience in composing and arranging for chamber ensembles, orchestras, and brass bands, she has developed a passion for brass music, playing with groups like the York Railway Institute and Hitchin Band. In 2023, she was nominated for 4BarsRest's 'Newcomer of the Year' award after winning 'Best Student Conductor' at Unibrass and Newmoon Insurance's 'Young Composers Competition' with her piece Tessellations.
New Beginnings consists of five parts that narrate humanity’s relocation to a new planet from the perspective of survivors, composed for Brass Band and Soprano (Vocalist). Destruction illustrates the sorrowful end of Earth, while Exploration depicts the desperate search for a new home guided by the stars. Creation invites listeners to envision a lush, vibrant new planet, and Imperfection reminds humanity to learn from past mistakes. Finally, Formation celebrates the establishment of a new existence, where humans coexist harmoniously with nature in their new beginning.
Cash Prize
The winner will now receive a cash prize of £1000 and have their work published, whilst for all finalists recordings are available which can be streamed online via the Derwent Brass YouTube channel.
