*
banner

Clarke delivers final chord of Buizingen role

Composer Nigel Clarke has reluctantly brought to an end his musical association with Brass Band Buizingen in Belgium.

Nigel Clarke
 

Award winning composer Nigel Clarke has told 4BR that due to increasing demands on his compositional time and new musical challenges that he is helping to develop, he has reluctantly brought to an end his role as Associate Composer with Brass Band Buizingen in Belgium.

Huge privilege

He told 4BR: “I have had the huge privilege of being associated with Brass Band Buizingen since 2009, when I wrote `Swift Severn’s Flood’ for the band to perform at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade.

I will always be indebted to conductor Luc Vertommen for persuading me to get involved in brass band composition again.

After the heady days of working with James Watson and Black Dyke I had thought that it was time to move on and develop other musical challenges and interests, but my association with BBU renewed my motivation to write for the genre.”

Critically acclaimed

During his association, Nigel composed a number critically acclaimed major works, including, 'Earthrise’, which Buizingen subsequently performed at the European Championships, the British Composer award winning cornet concerto `Mysteries of the Horizon’, written for Harmen Vanhoorne, and the amazing science fiction film inspired `When Worlds Collide’ — which formed part of Buizingen’s 2013 4BR CD of the Year release of the same name.

The Scarlet Flower

Recently he wrote the evocative flugel concerto, ‘The Scarlet Flower’, which pays tribute to First World War heroine, Edith Cavell, and which has been released to critical acclaim by flugel soloist Sebastien Rousseau on his debut CD, ‘Flight’ accompanied by the Longbow string ensemble.

My heartfelt thanks go to everyone I have been associated with during my time with Buizingen. I thank Luc in particular for his musical support and encouragement with my associationNigel Clarke

Heartfelt thanks

Nigel added: “My heartfelt thanks go to everyone I have been associated with during my time with Buizingen. I thank Luc in particular for his musical support and encouragement with my association.

I now believe that it is time to finish as Associate Composer and look forward to new challenges, but I remain immensely proud of my connection and I will carry on being their number one supporter and friend.”

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 2 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 November • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. SE10 9BJ SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Elland Silver Band

Sunday 2 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Drighlington Band

October 30 • Drighlington Band are looking for the following players for a full compliment: . . - Front Row Cornet . - Euph or Baritone or Trombone (we are flexible!) . - Percussion (Kit or tuned)


Hathersage Band

October 30 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Delph Band

October 30 • The Band are always looking for talented players to join them and are currently looking to fill the following positions - Tutti Cornet, Eb Bass and Percussion.. . We rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd