Composer Nigel Clarke has been appointed Composer in Residence of the Marinierskapel der Koninklijke Marine (Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy).

Partnership

The official press release stated: "We are delighted to announce a new musical partnership with the distinguished British composer Dr Nigel Clarke.

Dr Clarke has been appointed as ‘Composer-in-Residence’ and is invited to create a new concert work for this versatile symphonic wind band, which will be premiered at the annual Marine Corps concert in November 2013."

Memorable

They added: "The Marine Band first played Dr Clarke’s music in June 2011 under the baton of Major Harmen Cnossen. After a memorable performance of the rich and colourful composition ‘Gagarin’, the idea of an on-going artistic collaboration between band and composer was formed.

This residency will involve not only commissioning new compositions, but also pursuing educational and recording projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad, such as setting up a competition for composers to write for the Marinierskapel der Koninklijke Marine."

The Marine Band first played Dr Clarke’s music in June 2011 under the baton of Major Harmen CnossenMarinierskapel der Koninklijke Marine

Delighted

It is the first time one of the world’s great wind orchestras has created the post, with Nigel telling 4BR that he was both delighted and honoured to accept their prestigious invitation.

"For me this is a very exciting opportunity, as they are one of the great wind orchestras of the world. It is a real honour."