The ground breaking ballet work written by composer Gavin Higgins for the Rambert Dance Company and Tredegar Band has been shortlisted for one of the UKs leading artistic accolades.

RPS Music Award

'Dark Arteries' been nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award in its 'Large Scale Composition' category alongside works by Christian Mason, Luca Fancesconi and Rebecca Saunders.

Over 400 nominations in all forms of classical music were considered by a panel of 65 experts, with the very best placed in 13 separate categories — from opera and conducting to major work compositions and composers.

Past category winners include Simon Rattle, Julian Bream, Daniel Barenboim, Michael Tippett and Thomas Ades.

Distinction and achievement

The Daily Telegraph newspaper called the awards, '...ones that genuinely speak for the classical music industry in this country, with authority, insight and judgement. The awards are about distinction and achievement.'

A statement from the Society added: "The RPS Music Awards, presented in association with Radio 3 are the highest recognition for live classical music in the UK."

Announcement

The announcement of the awards was made on the BBC Radio 3 'In Tune' programme, where Gavin was interviewed alongside excerpts of the work taken from the multi award-winning CD by Tredegar Band.

Gavin told 4BR: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for an RPS award, especially since the nomination is for 'Dark Arteries'.

This project has been a personal journey for me, and it's been a pleasure to work on the piece with Rambert and Tredegar Band, as well all the others who have taken part in its subsequent highly successful tour."

Confidence

He added: "As I've said before, I feel passionately that brass bands should have a real platform to perform and be heard. The coverage that 'Dark Arteries' received on it's premiere was brilliant, but to have the work short listed for a prestigious RPS award — in the Large-scale work category no less — fills me with confidence that people are starting to take the medium seriously."

Brilliant musical minds

Royal Philharmonic Society Chairman, John Gilhooly added: "If classical music is sometimes regarded as something of a closed book, then the shortlists for this year's awards throws open the pages.

They are brimming with youth, honour distinguished musicians and the most brilliant musical minds. They show that classical music offers joyous, sometimes profound often uplifting experiences — and it's for everyone, regardless who they are or where they are from."

This project has been a personal journey for me, and it's been a pleasure to work on the piece with Rambert and Tredegar Band, as well all the others who have taken part in its subsequent highly successful tourGavin Higgins

Wonderful talent

Tredegar MD Ian Porthouse also added his own congratulations to Gavin on the nomination. "This shows just what an important and significant composer Gavin has become.

It has always been a privilege to work with him on his projects and music — and will hope to do so for many more years to come. He is a wonderful talent — and 'Dark Arteries' is something we are exceptionally proud to have been a part of."

The winners of the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards will be announced on May 10th.