After leading Cory to the European title in Lille, MD Philip Harper has taken the opportunity to air his personal opinion to try and open a debate over what he sees is a growing trend by bands and contest promoters towards the commissioning and use of works where 'artistic sophistication and creativity has been substituted for musical thuggery and charlatanism'.

It comes after Cory won the European title in Lille with performances of the critically acclaimed brace of 'Fraternity' by Thierry Deleruyelle and their own commission of 'Raveling, Unraveling' by Philip Sparke.

Strongly worded

In a strongly worded blog on the Cory website he states that of the twelve test pieces he has directed his band on at the major contests of the British Open, National Championship of Great Britain and European Championship, only five he considers to be 'of the required quality' — although he does not name those which are and which are not.

He also goes on to explain why he believes the situation has developed — and the mistake he believes major contest promoters make in asking composers to write 'can do anything' works 'without compromise'.

It's a fascinating read...

In a strongly worded blog on the Cory website he states that of the twelve test pieces he has directed his band on at the major contests, only five he considers to be 'of the required quality'4BR

Go to:

http://coryband.com/2015/cory-band-european-champions-2016-band-on-a-mission/