Composer Emily Howard has spoken about her delight at being able to work with Black Dyke recently at the band’s Brass Symposium weekend in Leeds, where her new work 'Obsidian' was premiered at the event’s Sunday afternoon Gala Concert to critical acclaim.
Pleasure
Emily told 4BR: "It has been a pleasure to write for, and work with, Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke. I was delighted that they commissioned my first work for brass band, 'Obsidian', as well as giving a wonderful first performance of the work at their Brass Symposium in Leeds Town Hall."
I think it is impressive that Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke are so committed to commissioning new works for band, and also that they openly encourage student composersComposer, Emily Howard
Dark timbres
Emily was especially pleased that the work brought out the wonderful dark timbres of the band: "The band has an innate understanding of the atmospheric character of the music that I had hoped for, as well as the ability to capture the darker, more dynamic moods within the work. I love the quality of sound that Black Dyke achieves when it's playing really quietly — it's so intense."
Younger generation
The composer was also pleased that she was able to work with a younger generation of aspiring composers too. "I think it is impressive that Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke are so committed to commissioning new works for band, and also that they openly encourage student composers."
Fantastic opportunity
She added: "At the same Symposium, several of my students from the Junior Royal Northern College of Music benefited from having their own compositions rehearsed, performed and recorded by members of Black Dyke directed by Philip Wilby. It was a fantastic opportunity. I very much look forward to future collaborations with Black Dyke."
London Symphony Orchestra
In the meantime the exciting compositional talent will see her new orchestral work, ‘Solar’ rehearsed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by internationally renowned composer James MacMillan today (24th June)
