Brass Band Buizingen has announced that Tom Davoren has agreed to become their new Associate Composer.

The announcement was made following the Belgian premiere of ‘Ascension’ — his new work for the band’s star performers Glenn Van Looy and Harmen Vanhoorne at a special Valentine’s Day concert,

Exciting ideas

A spokesperson for the band told 4BR: “We are delighted to be able to start this new musical partnership. We have a number of exciting ideas that are already taking shape.”

Tom is no stranger Buizingen, having worked with a number of their soloists over the past few years, and currently holds positions as Musical Director with Desford Colliery and as Associate Conductor with Fairey.

Genuine spark

He told 4BR: “I'm really excited to be exploring a partnership with Brass Band Buizingen and Luc Vertommen. Getting to know the band through recent projects with Glenn, Harmen and Sébastien has shown me they have a genuine spark for new music making, as well as being a fantastic band in competition.”

He added: “Most of all, I'm looking forward to making music with good friends, and hopefully building on the legacy of wonderful creativity instilled by my colleague Nigel Clarke."

Getting to know the band through recent projects with Glenn, Harmen and Sébastien has shown me they have a genuine spark for new music making, as well as being a fantastic band in competitionTom Davoren

Build on relationship

Nigel himself was delighted to hear of the appointment: “I’m thrilled that as the first Associate Composer to BBU that this initiative will now carry on. I know that Tom will build on the relationship, and as one of the new leading lights in the brass band movement he will also advance the position of Associate Composer with the band."

He added: "I wish Luc Vertommen and the band the very best for their future success and thank them all for the wonderful musical experiences we have shared together."