Winners of Geneva Music Foundation's Quartet of Cardinals Competition

Derwent Brass Wins Geneva Music Foundation's Quartet of Cardinals Competition

Derwent Brass is delighted to announce that it has been selected as the winner of the Geneva Music Foundation's prestigious Quartet of Cardinals competition, securing four handmade Geneva Cardinal instruments for the band.

The international draw attracted more than 1,500 entries from brass bands across the world, making the news an exciting start to 2026 for the Derbyshire-based organisation.

As part of the award, four Geneva Cardinal instruments will join the band's instrument stock – a Bb Cornet, Bb Flugel Horn, Eb Tenor Horn and Bb Euphonium. The instruments will provide valuable support to players across the band and further strengthen the organisation's commitment to musical development, education and community engagement.

The Geneva Music Foundation was established to support the long-term sustainability of brass music, with a particular focus on access, education and community impact. Working alongside leading figures from across the brass band world, including Jamie Smith, Stephanie Binns, Glenn Van Looy and Gavin Saynor, the Foundation continues to invest in bands and players across the movement.

Band Manager Chris Leonard said:

"We were absolutely thrilled to learn that Derwent Brass had been selected as the winner of the Quartet of Cardinals competition. To come out on top from more than 1,500 entries worldwide is incredible and we're hugely grateful to the Geneva Music Foundation and Geneva Instruments for their support.

"These instruments will make a real and lasting difference to our players and the music we're able to make. As a band that places a strong emphasis on opportunity, development and community impact, support of this nature is invaluable."

Several members of Derwent Brass already perform on Geneva instruments, making the award particularly special. The band is now beginning discussions about how it might work more closely with the Geneva Music Foundation and Geneva Instruments in the years ahead, supporting the Foundation's wider aims whilst continuing to develop opportunities for musicians across the region.

Everyone at Derwent Brass would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the trustees of the Geneva Music Foundation for their confidence in the band and for this fantastic opportunity.

What a wonderful way to begin 2026.

For more on Geneva please visit www.genevainstruments.com