*
banner

New Concertino to honour nursing heroine

Award winning composer Nigel Clarke to write major new work to honour the memory of Edith Cavell.

Edith Cavell
 

4BR has been speaking to British Composer Award winner Nigel Clarke after it was announced that he has been commissioned to write an exciting new work for flugel horn and string orchestra.

The Scarlet Flower

Entitled, 'The Scarlet Flower' (Concertino for Flugel Horn & String Orchestra) it is inspired by the story of World War 1 British nurse Edith Cavell’s last hours before being executed by firing squad in October 1915.

Cavell had been arrested and sentenced to death after helping 200 British soldiers escape from occupied Belgian territory, although it was acknowledged by both sides of the conflict that she had also helped hundreds of wounded allied and German soldiers without distinction.

Clarion call

Her famous clarion call: "Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone," are inscribed on her statue in St Martin's Place, near Trafalgar Square in London.

The commission has come from conductor Luc Vertommen and Brass Band Buizingen to be premiered by Buizingen’s virtuoso flugel player Sébastien Rousseau accompanied by the British based Longbow String Orchestra directed by Peter Sheppard Skaerved.

Deeply honoured

Speaking exclusively to 4BR, Nigel said he was both deeply honoured and excited to write the work. "The subject matter and its timing are greatly significant, and I'm always very moved by the story of Edith Cavell’s selfless acts of humanitarianism."

He added: "As you imagine, I’m also very excited about this challenging project. How many brass bands would commission their composer to compose a work for another group and genre?

It’s a wonderful example of an enlightened artistic endeavour and the ability to think progressively towards other genres of music making."

The subject matter and its timing are greatly significant, and I'm always very moved by the story of Edith Cavell’s selfless acts of humanitarianismNigel Clarke

Prose link

Nigel also revealed that the respected political journalist and author Martin Westlake, who wrote the wonderfully imaginative introductory poem to his British Composer Award winning, ‘When Worlds Collide’, will also write the prose to preface the new work.

"It’s great to work with Martin — and I’m sure his words will greatly enhance the meaning and understanding of the composition."

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    


Emotions

New online brass band platform launched

October 16 • Emotions on Stage will replace the CUBrass website as a leading platform for brass, wind and concert bands.


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe go for a Burton

October 16 • Will Burton is the new solo Eb tuba of Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Leggett

Cross border tribute for Leggat

October 16 • KNDS Fairey stalwart Jimmy Leggat will take a final bow next year with a little help from his cross border friends.


Fodens

Intense response to Area sections with Foden's

October 16 • There is still time to get in some intensive 2026 Area sectional work with Foden's Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

October 14 • Eb and Bb Bass Players Wanted! . Our friendly and welcoming brass band is seeking enthusiastic bass players to strengthen our lower end.. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings, 8-10pm in Woodley near Reading.


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You will love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!. Contact


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd