Three of the most talented young composer’s associated with the brass band movement have been short listed for a prestigious British Composer Award.

Nominations

Tom Davoren, Lucy Pankhurst and Emily Howard are the three nominations in the Wind Band/Brass Band category this year for their works, ‘Looking In’, ‘In Pitch Black’ and ‘Obsidian’.

The winner will be announced at the prestigious awards night in London on November 30th.

Autobiographical

Tom Davoren’s autobiographical work traces a composer’s journey in finding an original and truthful voice. Scored for large wind orchestra it received it premiere at the BASBWE London Festival 2011 and was recently recorded by the RNCM Wind Orchestra.

He told 4BR: "It's been a fantastic surprise and great privilege to be short listed for this award. It's probably the piece closest to my heart and I'd like to thank Studio Music, Pete Meechan and Spencer Down for their support in programming it as part of the BASBWE London Festival 2011."

The winner will be announced at the prestigious awards night in London on November 30th4BR

Tragic disaster

Lucy Pankhurst was equally delighted to find herself nominated for her emotive work that commemorates the tragic Pretoria Pit Disaster that took place on 21st December 1910, at Hulton Colliery, Westhoughton, close to the home of the Wingates Band – members of which were killed in a disaster that claimed 344 lives.

Lucy told 4BR: "I was thrilled when the notification arrived. ‘In Pitch Black is a very special piece for me, especially because of my links with Wingates Band. It gives me such pleasure knowing that the renowned members of the judging panel appreciate and understand what I was trying to depict through my writing."

Volcanic glass

Emily Howard’s ‘Obsidian’ was first premiered at the Black Dyke Festival in 2010.

Commissioned by the band and Prima Vista Musikk it takes its inspiration from the natural qualities found in the volcanic glass, which has been used for thousands of years as jewellery, knives and even musical chimes.

Emily told 4BR: "I’m absolutely delighted that my first work for band, ‘Obsidian’, has been short listed for a British Composer Award. Thanks go to the Black Dyke Band, Nicholas Childs and Prima Vista Musik for commissioning and performing it."

http://www.britishcomposerawards.com/