Rory Boyle's 'Muckle Flugga', commissioned by the Scottish Brass Band Association with funding from Creative Scotland as the set-work for the 2014 European Brass Band Championship in Perth, has won the Wind Band or Brass Band category of the 2015 British Composers Awards.
The Awards are presented by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) and sponsored by PRS for Music, with the presentation made on Wednesday evening at a ceremony hosted by BBC Radio 3 presenters Sara Mohr-Pietsch and Andrew McGregor, at the British Film Institute (BFI) in London.
Short list
The work was shortlisted alongside Andy Scott's 'A Child Like You' and 'Sonata for Brass Band on a Prelude of Orlando Gibbons' by Robert Saxton.
'Muckle Flugga' was inspired by a small, rocky island north of Unst in the Shetland Iles — the name derived from the Norse meaning, 'large steep-sided island'.
The composer was drawn to the mythical history and the legend of its warring giants of Herma and Saxa, as well as the destructive power of the sea, which led to the construction of its famous lighthouse designed by engineers Thomas and David Stevenson in the 1850's.
Sparse style
The work encapsulates Boyle's often sparse, linear writing style as it deals with myth, loss and redemptive construction in an attempt to tame the effects of the wild, violent waters which surround 'Muckle Flugga'.
Before the announcement was made the audience were addressed by keynote speaker, conductor, Jessica Cottis, who presented the winners with their awards alongside actress Juliet Stevenson. The ceremony included the UK premiere performance of 'A Bird Is Singing' by Judith Bingham — a BASCA former winner and someone who has also written a major contemporary work for the brass band medium.
Past winners
Boyle now joins past winners whose works for brass band took the award — including Simon Dobson, Lucy Pankhurst and Nigel Clarke.
Later, Alan Davey, Controller at BBC Radio 3, stated: "Contemporary music is thriving in the UK. As a cultural organisation, BBC Radio 3 prides itself on using the licence fee as venture capital for the arts; supporting and developing new artists, commissioning new works and broadcasting important industry events such as tonight's British Composer Awards. Congratulations to all the winners.
It's vital we all continue to support our composers and their works, they make such an invaluable contribution to the cultural life of Britain and beyond."
I'm delighted that this year's British Composer Awards includes such a broad range of winners — from relative newcomers to established namesStephen McNeff, BASCA Chairman
Future growth
Stephen McNeff, BASCA Chairman, added: "I'm delighted that this year's British Composer Awards includes such a broad range of winners — from relative newcomers to established names. We have succeeded in increasing the number of submissions by a third and this provided a much greater pool of talent from which to judge. It also bodes well for future growth and increasing inclusivity."
BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a programme dedicated to the ceremony on Hear and Now at 10pm on Saturday 12th December.
