*
banner

Talented composer trio shortlisted for Brit Award

The compositional trio of Simon Dobson, Lucy Pankhurst and Paul McGhee have been shortlisted for a 2014 British Composer Award.

yOUNG COMPOSERS
 

Three of the most talented young composers who have written for the brass band medium in recent years have been shortlisted for nomination for a 2014 British Composer Award.

Trio

Friends and compositional colleagues Simon Dobson, Lucy Pankhurst and Paul McGhee (pictured above with Gavin Higgins) form the trio of nominees in the Wind Band or Brass Band category.

Lone Wolf

2012 winner Simon Dobson has been shortlisted for ‘Journey of the Lone Wolf’, inspired by the musical and political life story — from peasant folksongs to jazz inspired anti-facist rebellion, of Hungarian composer Bela Bartok.

The work was commissioned by Dr. Nicholas Childs for the Black Dyke Band, and received its UK premiere performance as part of the RNCM Festival of Brass in January this year.

It is the set work in the Championship Section for the 2014 Dutch National Championships in Utrecht later this month.

Thowfen Raconteurs

2011 winner Lucy Pankhurst’s, ‘Thowfen Raconteurs’ was written in celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Wingates Band.

It also pays homage to its long term musical association with the famous Houghton Weavers folk group, as well as the band’s own rich history, based on hours of the composer’s research with people associated with them over the past 60 years or more

Commissioned by the Wingates Band with support from the PRS for Music Foundation, it received its UK premiere in October 2013 in Bolton.

Kjeden

Paul McGhee’s ‘Kjeden’ (Norwegian for Chain) is a substantive euphonium work inspired by a flexible musical sequence or series of connected elements, which explores relationships between the soloist and the accompanying ensemble.

The work by the 2012 European Brass Band Championship Composer Award winner was commissioned by Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen for his contemporary music Norwegian Brass Wind and was premiered by Belgian euphonium virtuoso Glenn van Looy, who has since recorded it on his CD release ‘Stories of Life’.

It received its UK premiere performance in January 2014 at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester as part of the RNCM Festival of Brass, where it was performed by David Thornton.

Friends and compositional colleagues Simon Dobson, Lucy Pankhurst and Paul McGhee form the trio of nominees in the Wind Band or Brass Band category4BR

McCabe and Birtwistle

Composer John McCabe, who was recently honoured with the Iles medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians at the British Open Championship has been nominated in the ‘Instrumental Solo’ and ‘Orchestral’ categories for his works, ‘Sonata after William Byrd's Haec Dies’ and ‘Joybox’.

Sir Harrison Birtwistle, who wrote ‘Grimethorpe Aria’ over 40 years ago, is nominated in the ‘Vocal’ and Choral’ award categories.

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    


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Brass Band Willebroek

European contenders ready for Willebroek challenge

October 23 • 55 players from seven European countries will look to claim titles at the Willebroek Solo Contest.


Ben Haemhouts

Leadership schedule keeps Haemhouts in business

October 23 • The Chairperson of the EBBA Music Commission brings musical insight to the business community.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd