Simon Dobson's emotional composition 'Penlee', which was commissioned by the Cornwall Youth Brass Band, is one of three pieces which have been shortlisted in the Brass and Wind Category at the forthcoming British Academy of Composers & Songwriters Awards.

Premiere

'Penlee' received premiere by the Cornwall Youth Brass Band last December, under the baton of Ian Porthouse, and takes its inspiration from the tragic loss of the Penlee lifeboat, 'The Solomon Browne', and its crew off the coast of Cornwall on 19th December 1981.

Simon has written: "Penlee is the result of my feelings regarding the event and is dedicated to all those who lost their lives in Cornwall’s treacherous waters, including the volunteers on the lifeboat, and the crew and passengers of the Union Star."

Critical acclaim

The work has since been performed to critical acclaim by Leyland Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

In announcing the Short List the BASCA stated: "Well over 300 submissions were sent to BASCA for the 2009 Awards which fete new works receiving their first UK performance between April 2008 and March 2009."

These are some of the most remarkable results we have had in the 7 year history of the Awards. Emerging talent is a strong feature of this year’s list of nominees and we truly celebrate thatSarah Rogers, BASCA

Judging

Judging of all 13 categories took place during September and October using a different panel for each category and involving over sixty music professionals including performers, conductors, promoters and festival directors. More than half of the panelists are themselves composers.

Senior figures

Senior compositional figures such as Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Sir John Tavener, Jonathan Harvey and Alexander Goehr have received nominations, whilst previous winners Judith Bingham, Adam Gorb and Gabriel Jackson are also listed this year.

Sarah Rodgers, BASCA Chairman and Chairman of the Awards said: "These are some of the most remarkable results we have had in the 7 year history of the Awards. Emerging talent is a strong feature of this year’s list of nominees and we truly celebrate that."

Awards Ceremony

The Awards Ceremony will take place on December 1st and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 at 7pm on December 2nd.

There will also be a series of Programmes on BBC Radio 3 in the latter half of November about the Awards.

Further details

Further details of the Awards available at: www.britishcomposerawards.com