The Blackburn & Darwen Band has announced the appointment of Matthew Thomas as their new Composer in Residence.

Exciting quest

Chairman Sharon Meredith told 4BR: "This is the next step in our exciting quest for new and more entertaining concert repertoire and has been created with the intention of benefiting both parties.

It will provide the guidance Matthew needs to explore new compositional avenues, with the band gaining new, fresh and innovative contemporary brass band music."

Conductor and composer

Matthew has been a cornet player with the band for several years and has just completed his degree at the University of York. A keen conductor as well as talented composer, he has led the York University Brass Band – a role he will continue in this academic year.

He was also a member of the Chamber Choir and experienced a wide variety of choral works.

First composition

His first composition for the band, ‘A French Carol Fantasy’, is a compilation of three traditional French carols, transformed in a contemporary way to provide the band with a vibrant and exciting new Christmas concert work.

Sharon concluded: "We are really pleased to have Matthew on board as Composer in Residence. He is a great young talent and we are very proud to be showcasing his new music."