Cory Band and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) have announced the launch of the 2017 RWCMD Cory Composition Prize, supported by Kapitol Promotions.

And following the popularity of the competition in 2015 and 2016, and of Cory's unprecedented success in the past year, Musical Director Philip Harper told 4BR that he hoped the competition would continue to attract the interest of composers from all corners of the banding world.

Opportunity

"The Gala Concert at which we decide the winner of the award has quickly become an established date in the Cory and college calendar," he said.

"I feel it's very important to offer opportunities for composers to create new music for brass bands, and the two previous winners were relatively 'unknown' before our competition, so I hope this will encourage composers from all parts of the world to come and write for us."

Further success

The 2015 winner, Lewis Furber, went on to be commissioned to compose an own-choice piece for the recent Swiss National Championships, whilst last year's winner, Richard Haydn Taylor, will soon see his work, 'Tanguero!' be made available from Wright & Round Music Publishers, as well as recorded by Cory.

We are looking for something which we can use in concerts throughout the year, so we're particularly looking for something appealing to the average audience. Other than that, it really is up to composer's imaginations!Philip Harper

Imagination

Philip added: "Anyone who is interested in having their music performed by a band with the worldwide profile of Cory should consider this opportunity.

We are looking for something which we can use in concerts throughout the year, so we're particularly looking for something appealing to the average audience. Other than that, it really is up to composer's imaginations!"

Apply

Entry forms and further details can be downloaded from Cory Band's website at www.coryband.com