Composer Simon Dobson has been nominated for a prestigious British Academy of Songwriters, Composer and Authors Award.

Second time

It is the second time the young Cornish composer has been nominated, and on this occasion it’s for work, ‘Torsion’, which follows his previous composition ‘Penlee’ in the Wind & Brass Band Category.

The awards ceremony will take place at the end of November at a swanky presentation evening at Stationers’ Hall in London and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Wednesday 1st December

Brass flavour

There is a just a hint of a brass flavour to the awards this year with the highly respected composer Judith Bingham once again nominated for here work in the Choral Category, whilst James Macmillan, who will be composing for the Black Dyke Festival in the next year or so, also nominated in the Liturgical Category.

This is possibly the most dynamic and inspirational shortlist the British Composer Awards judging panels have come up with. The awards continue to play a crucial role in identifying new voices and emerging talentChairman Sarah Rodgers

Dynamic and inspirational shortlist

British Composer Awards Chairman Sarah Rodgers said: "This is possibly the most dynamic and inspirational shortlist the British Composer Awards judging panels have come up with. The awards continue to play a crucial role in identifying new voices and emerging talent."

Busy time

The news of the nomination has come at the start of a very busy 5 weeks for Simon, as he prepares to head off to Norway to work with Oslofjord Brass in their preparation for the SIDDIS Entertainment contest in Stavanger.

4BR caught up with the delighted composer who was obviously looking forward to a busy schedule over the next few weeks: "I’m just getting ready to fly to Norway where Oslofjord will open their SIDDIS programme with a new arrangement of mine," he said.

"Following that I'm staying a further week to conduct a series on concerts. It’s great to be able to work with bands in Norway, they really enjoy their music making there. Then it’s off to Perth to hear my new test piece '...And When the River Told...' at the Scottish Open Championships. I am also judging this event and will be working with Howard Snell and Hannes Buchegger for the first time."

Totally different

After his first experience of championship adjudication, Simon will be experiencing something totally different, when he supports his wife Josie and her group 'The Lovecats' on a number of gigs, before flying out to Switzerland where 'Penlee' has been chosen to test the Second Section bands at their National Finals.

Honour

Simon added: "I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Swiss banding scene works and what they make of my piece. It’s a real honour that the work has been picked."

And finally, his travels will end, hopefully with him picking up a gong at the British Composers Award in London.

”The news came as surprise as ‘Torsion’ was only given its premiere by the Leyland Band at this year’s RNCM festival of Brass, “ he said. “To be nominated again is a great honour, so its fingers crossed this time, but even if I don’t win I can always relax back on tour with Josie and the Lovecats!"

Further information:

For further information, go to: www.britishcomposerawards.com