The brass bands of the University of Salford and Birmingham Conservatoire will join forces this February for 'Collision Theory', a brace of new music concerts.

New programmes

To be held in Salford and Birmingham and directed by University of Salford Conductor in Residence Tom Davoren and Birmingham Conservatoire Director of Brass Band Studies Ian Porthouse, each band will present a programme of new music and work themed around connecting brass bands to other musical styles and genres.

This programme will include work by students, composition professors and current brass band composers such as Peter Graham, Paul McGhee, Lucy Pankhurst, Gavin Higgins and Edward Gregson.

Innovative partnership

Tom Davoren told 4BR that the innovative partnership will once again showcase the ability of brass bands to provide an ideal musical canvass for different musical genres.

"The Collision Theory concert concept was created last year at the University of Salford. Having both flourishing brass and popular music programmes the first event was a great success in combining a brass band with live electronics, guitars and synthesisers in student compositions.

It opened up a number of different and exciting musical avenues, so I'm delighted that we can repeat the event and expand the experience with Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band."

Innovation and outreach have always been part of our ethos at the Conservatiore, so this musical partnership is another ideal way to showcase both elements. It's such an exciting ideaIan Porthouse

World premieres

The concerts will feature solo performances by University of Salford instrumental tutors, Dr. Brett Baker and Rob Richardson in performances of 'Freaks' by Gavin Higgins and the world premiere of 'Black Light', a new work for baritone and brass band by British Composer Award Winner Paul McGhee.

In addition, the Birmingham Conservatoire Band will perform the world premiere of 'Blue Gold' written by 2016 British Composer Award nominee Fumiko Miyachi.

Ian Porthouse added: "Innovation and outreach have always been part of our ethos at the Conservatiore, so this musical partnership is another ideal way to showcase both elements. It's such an exciting idea."

Where and when

You can join the bands for 'Collision Theory' on Wednesday 15th February at Peel Hall, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT and on Friday 24th February at St. Paul's Church, St. Paul's Square, Birmingham, B3 1QZ. Both concerts begin at 7.30pm.