The Virtuosi GUS Band has announced the appointment of Andrew Wainwright as their Composer and Arranger in Residence.

Favour

Andrew has been integral in the development of the band's repertoire of music over the last two years and his compositions and arrangements have found much favour with concert audiences, when performed by the band.

Recent projects have included commissions from David Childs, David Daws, Sheona White, Michael R. Baker, Chris Jeans and James Fountain as well as several arrangements for ITV's Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith.

The quality of Andrew’s output has not gone unnoticed by the band and John Berryman, our MD, and we are delighted to have him on board in this important roleBand Manager, Shawn Pagington

Significant

Andrew has had several pieces published and has had compositions played or recorded not only by GUS but also many other top UK bands. His most significant project was his arrangement of Karl Jenkins' The Armed Man — A Mass for Peace for brass band, choir and organ.

As well as performing until recently with Virtuosi GUS on baritone, Andrew has always enjoyed composition and first received acclaim for his compositional skills when in 1997 he was runner-up in Performance, The Arts Channel's Young Composer of the Year for Great Britain.

Quality

Band Manager Shawn Pagington commented to 4BR: "The quality of Andrew’s output has not gone unnoticed by the band and John Berryman, our MD, and we are delighted to have him on board in this important role."

He added: "We are convinced that it will further develop the band's repertoire whilst giving Andrew the opportunity to develop his skills at the highest level."