The Worshipful Company of Musicians has announced the recipients of the 2014 John Henry Iles and Harry Mortimer Medals.

McCabe & Minshall

The distinguished composer, pianist and educator John McCabe (above) has been awarded the Iles Medal for his creative contribution to the brass band movement, with the Mortimer Medal awarded to Helen Minshall, who has worked as Head of Brass for Bolton Music Service for the past 13 years.

McCabe has contributed six highly influential works to the brass band genre, dating from his 1983 composition, ‘Images’.

What I wanted

He once remarked that, "...having been regarded by the concert classical world as a bit reactionary, it was very entertaining to be cast into the role of the revolutionary criminal.

For the most part I’ve managed to write exactly what I wanted, such as ‘Salamander’ and ‘Cloudcatcher Fells."

He added: "I ran into trouble, as I fully anticipated, with ‘The Maunsell Forts’. It was a piece I had to write and I’m not somebody who wants to churn out yet another loud, fast collection of thousands of notes."

Inspired by the magnificent vistas and evocative landscape of Cumbria, his 1985 composition, ‘Cloudcatcher Fells’ remains one of the finest works composed for brass band.

Inspired by the magnificent vistas and evocative landscape of Cumbria, his 1985 composition, ‘Cloudcatcher Fells’ remains one of the finest works composed for brass band4BR

Dedicated

Helen Minshall initially studied on the Band Musicianship course at Salford College and has spent her career dedicated to the teaching of young brass players.

In 1994, Helen and her husband Steve founded the Astley Youth Band, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next month.

In a recent interview she said: "I feel privileged and honoured to receive this award, and to know that my work has been recognised, having spent a lifetime with brass bands and teaching young people."