Simon Dobson has rounded off a memorable year by winning his second British Composer Award for, ‘Journey of the Lone Wolf’, inspired by the life and work of the great Hungarian composer Béla Bartók.
In a glittering awards evening at Goldsmiths Hall in London this week, he was joined by fellow finalists in the Wind Band or Brass Band category, Lucy Pankhurst and Paul McGhee, as well some of the most famous and respected contemporary British composers, in being honoured.
Other winners announced on the night by Dame Evelyn Glennie included Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Mark-Anthony Turnage and Kaija Saariaho.
Second time
It is the second time that the Cornishman has claimed the prestigious award, following his shortlisting in 2009 for ‘Penlee’ and his winning composition ‘A Symphony of Colours’ in 2012.
‘Journey of the Lone Wolf’ was commissioned by Dr. Nicholas Childs for the Black Dyke Band, and received its UK premiere performance at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester in January this year as part of the Royal Northern College of Music Festival of Brass.
Widespread acclaim
It has since gained widespread critical acclaim and has been used as both a set work for the Elite Division of tDutch National Championships as well as an own choice selection of top section bands at both the Swiss and Belgium National Championships.
It was little wonder then that Simon was still getting to grips with winning the award again as he prepared to take to the stage in London for a late night gig with his band ‘Lazy Habits’.
Amazing year
“I’m still getting my head around it,” he confessed to 4BR.
“It’s been an amazing year, and the last few weeks in particular have just been crazy. To win the award a second time is very special, especially as I would have been equally delighted if Lucy or Paul had deservedly won it for their fantastic compositions.
I have to thank Prof Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke of course, but so many other people too — but especially Bela Bartok, whose music has been such an inspiration to me.”
Musical portrait
‘Journey of the Lone Wolf’ is an evocative portrait of the musical, social and political life of a composer who was greatly misunderstood during his troubled and lonely life time — much of which was spent away from his beloved homeland.
“Bartok was a genius, but a very complex and troubled one,” Simon said.
“His recording of Balkan folk melody and song tradition was of such importance given the political era that was fast approaching, whilst his later works, although written in personal isolation showed a composer of immense passion, power and authority.”
It has been hectic, but so musically rewarding. I am so grateful, but still incredibly surprised how things have panned out for meSimon Dobson
Awards and features
In the last couple of months Simon has worked with Allan Withington in composing Stavanger’s Joan of Arc inspired SIDDIS winning programme ‘Sainteté: Difficile mais pas impossible’ and gained widespread acclaim for his score to the British Film Institute National Archive collaboration to the 1927 silent film, ‘The Battles of Coronel and Falkland Islands’, which was performed at the BFI London Film Festival.
Shortlisted on Radio 1
In addition, his ‘crowd funded’ CD ‘Euneirophrenia’ has just been released, he has provided the string accompaniment to the rock group Anti Matador’s ‘We are the Ocean’, which has been shortlisted as one of the ‘Hottest Records of the Year’ on Radio 1, and he has been interviewed by Fern Cotton on the ‘Live Lounge’!
Adjudication
All that and he has just returned from Montreux where he was adjudicating at the Swiss National Championships.
“It has been hectic, but so musically rewarding,” he added. “I am so grateful, but still incredibly surprised how things have panned out for me.”
For the full list of winners go to:
