The New Year has got off to a flying start for young composer Jonathan Bates, with the selection of his composition, 'Within the Paths of Righteousness' as the set work for the First Division of the French Open Brass Band Championships.

Delighted

This is the first time the young Black Dyke horn player has had one of his works chosen for a major overseas contest, and he is obviously delighted as he told 4BR.

"’Within the Paths of Righteousness’ was composed for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's 2011 Easter Course," he said.

"The band under Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey they gave two fantastic performances to critical acclaim at the Royal Northern College of Music and Dolphin Centre in Darlington."

Fond memories

He added: "Now to have it picked for such a prestigious event is a huge privilege, especially at a contest which I have many fond memories of playing at with Lockwood Brass. I hope the bands enjoy working on the piece, as it remains one of my favourites, especially the slow movement!"

A recording of the piece from the National Youth Brass band of Great Britain's Darlington concert is available on the composer's own soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/jonnybates/within-the-paths-of

New works on the way

Meanwhile, the news over Christmas came at quite a busy time for Jonathan, with works in the pipeline for euphonium virtuoso Glenn Van Looy and cornet star Jim Hayes, a number of works to be finalized ahead of the Butlins Mineworker's contest, and a couple of bigger scale projects for later in the year and early 2014.

More information

More information on the 2103 French Open can be seen at: http://www.openamboise.com/le-concours/