*
banner

Salford explores darker elements of Collision Theory

The University of Salford Brass Band explore innovative new musical territory under MD Tom Davoren with a Collision Theory Concert.

Davoren
 

The University of Salford Brass Band recently gave their annual February concert at the refurbished Peel Hall.

Contemporary twist

This year, under the baton of their new conductor Tom Davoren (above), the concert had a contemporary twist; showcasing the close connection between the university's music and performances courses under the thematic banner 'Collision Theory'.

The music programmed included four premieres composed by alumni and friends of the institution, Dr. Peter Meechan, Dr. Richard Rock, Lucy Pankhurst, Paul McGhee and Stephen Richardson, with each piece connecting the brass band with outside genres.

Purely experimental

Tom Davoren told 4BR: "The goal behind the programme was purely experimental. Instead of simply taking popular or contemporary ideas and arranging them for brass band, we wanted to have tangible elements of other popular art forms sprint at the band head on.

The result produced original music for brass band and computers, pre-recorded tape, speaker and dubstep band performed in a live environment that was an exciting experience for everyone involved."

Innovation

He added: "It's this kind of innovation in performance that we are looking to develop at the University of Salford."

The concert premiere of Lucy Pankhurst's 'Microcosms' set the context — a traditional British brass band performing a contemporary take on an entertainment contest set, condensed into a collection of six micro-movements.

Literature

The first of two threads in the programme were drawn from literature. 'Lament', from Meechan's 'Macbeth' commemorated this year's Shakespeare anniversary through a collaborative performance with student actor Joel Callahan, whilst Paul McGhee's elegant interpretation of Ramin Djawadi's 'Rains of Castamere' looked at extracting the darkest moments from the 'Game of Thrones' story from George R R Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire'.

In addition, Peter Meechan's 'Forgotten Children' and Richard Rock's 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' featuring Brett Baker as trombone soloist, both employed live and recorded electronic elements to bring their contrasting sound-worlds to life.

It's this kind of innovation in performance that we are looking to develop at the University of SalfordMD, Tom Davoren

Collision Theory in practice

The concert reached its climax with a new work from recent graduate Stephen Richardson. His first work for brass band, 'Collision Theory', was a unique six minute composition incorporating a live dubstep band — an extract from which you listen to on the Salford Music and Performance youtube channel below.

https://youtu.be/5v1w0DGABSQ

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd