The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced that it has commissioned Cornish composer, Simon Dobson, to write the test-piece for this year’s Scottish Open Championship, which will be held at Perth in November.

Changes

The contest itself has announced a number of changes, and will now be called the Scottish Brass Band Festival.

Sponsored by Besson Musical Instruments, the Festival will run from 19th to 21st November and will feature youth workshops, a revamped Scottish Challenge Shield contest for 12 Section 1 — 4 bands, anda 15 band Scottish Open.

The Festival will conclude with the ever-growing Scottish Youth Championships on the Sunday.

The test-piece, as yet un-named, is expected to be based on an aspect of Perthshire history (the city of Perth celebrates the 800th anniversary of its granting of a Royal Burgh charter in 2010.

The ideas I have at this stage are embryonic, but I can imagine a new take on an old tale, although I think that it’s safe to say that the listener can expect the unexpectedSimon Dobson

Thrilled

Simon has commented: "I'm thrilled to have been asked to write the test-piece for the Scottish Open and I'm planning a trip to Scotland in the near future in order to get some inspiration for the new work. The ideas I have at this stage are embryonic, but I can imagine a new take on an old tale, although I think that it’s safe to say that the listener can expect the unexpected."

More announcements

The SBBA is currently finalising arrangements and expects to make further announcements regarding the format of the weekend in the coming weeks.

SBBA Development Officer, Alan Edmond told 4BR:"We're delighted that Simon Dobson has agreed to write the test-piece for the contest. This is just one of a number of exciting developments surrounding the new Festival that we hope to be announcing in the very near future, as we aim to continue its growth into what we hope will become one of international banding’s most prestigious events in the years ahead."