*
banner

New experimental work set for Coventry premiere

A major new work featuring brass band and live surround sound computer music is to be premiered next month by City of Coventry Brass.

City of Coventry
 

City of Coventry Brass will give the world premiere of ‘Cantus Infirmus for Brass Band and Tape’ by composer Christopher Evans at the International Music Symposium (INTIME) to be held at Coventry University next month.

Computer

The experimental work features a brass band with a live surround-sound computer music system.

The composer is a highly respected percussionist and conductor, currently researching a PhD in composition with brass bands and electro-acoustic music.

"This is my first large-scale experimental work for band," he told 4BR.

"The ‘prepared’ side of things is based on fragments of a piano being tuned and the band music is based on my love of medieval song and some of the more strange medieval concepts about music theory."

Mixes

He added: "The work is nearly 8 minutes long and mixes the piano ‘tape’ (28 tracks played back by computer into an 8.1 surround system) with live sound from the band together with church-like echoes and reverberations as well as some of the sound being processed into long drones."

Chris believes the work will give the listener a unique experience.

"The perception of space is important, with the sounds moving around the multiple speaker array as if the listener were walking amongst the players.

This will be a unique experience for the many composers at the Symposium and I’m hoping that this will be an enjoyable introduction for players to working with experimental music whilst retaining a genuine brass band feeling."

The perception of space is important, with the sounds moving around the multiple speaker array as if the listener were walking amongst the playersComposer Christopher Evans

Excited MD

Conductor Stephen Cooper is certainly looking forward to being a part of the premiere.

He told 4BR: "It’s a nerve-wracking way to perform, with speakers all around and with the sound effects from the band moving around the room.

The piece is made up of a piano piece being played back by the computer and the band plays live with effects like reverb and echo being played into the room live."

Virtuosic

He added: "It doesn’t look too hard on the score but the tempo changes nearly every bar and synchronising the band with the computer is very hard. There is a virtuosic section which is almost unplayable but, apparently, that’s the idea!"

The band opens the INTIME Saturday evening concert on the 19th of October at the Ellen Terry building, Coventry University, Jordan Wells, Coventry.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable). Rehearse Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd