The set work for the 2011 British Open Championship at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on 3rd September has been announced as Professor Philip Wilby’s ‘Red Priest’.

Sixth time

This will be his sixth work in 20 years to be used as an ‘Open’ test piece, following the path set by ‘Paganini Variations’, ‘Masquerade’, ‘Revelations’, ‘…Dove Descending’ and ‘Vienna Nights’.

‘Red Priest’ was commissioned by Black Dyke Band and premiered at the 2010 European Championships in Linz.

Vivaldi

Philip Wilby describes it as ‘A Concerto after Vivaldi with special separations’, and includes four solo percussion parts.

The origins of the title refer to Antonio Vivaldi, colloquially referred to as the ‘Red Priest’ thanks to his youthful ordination and his flaming red hair. The son of a violinist at St Marks, he is remembered for his productivity and astonishing energy.

The present composition is inspired by his enormous output of Concerto Grossi, using soloists in groups. Listeners will recognise quotations from, amongst others, ‘The Four Seasons’, and his well known ‘Gloria’.

Professor Wilby, himself a violinist of quality, invokes the spirit of Vivaldi, and asks that the work should be played, ‘…with a mixture of accuracy and abandoned virtuosity.’4BR

Abandoned virtuosity

Professor Wilby, himself a violinist of quality, invokes the spirit of Vivaldi, and asks that the work should be played, ‘…with a mixture of accuracy and abandoned virtuosity.’

Martin Mortimer told 4BR: "Whilst this is not the first time that the British Open has selected a piece previously played by one of the competing bands, historically we have chosen to commission new works whenever possible, in order to challenge the bands and encourage first class new music for the brass band repertoire."

New commissions

He added: "The test piece for the 2012 British Open will be a new work, and has already been commissioned. We also have other plans in the pipeline for a new work in 2013, so the commitment to the promotion of musical excellence remains in place. We have no doubt that ‘Red Priest’ will be as well received by both the bands and the audience as Philip Wilby’ s earlier works."

Scores and tickets

Scores for ‘Red Priest’ will be available from Prima Vista Musikk from 29th April, and tickets for the British Open will go on sale on 16th May from Symphony Hall Box Office.

Prima Vista are generously providing a complimentary full band set of scores to the winner of the Grand Shield qualifying contest which takes place on May 14th.

Further information is available on www.thebritishopen.net