The annual Kirklees Composition Competition recently took place at the University of Salford where composers and arrangers at all levels competed for the coveted Kirklees Prize.

The judges this year included Graham Horsfield from the competition sponsors, award winning composer and the 2017 University Composer in Association, Paul McGhee, and staff members Robin Dewhurst and Tom Davoren.

Winners

The competition administrated by Dan Price was in two categories, with the 'Original Composition' award was Tom Gale with his work 'Music for Brass Band'.

The runner-up in a competition that featured a number of outstanding entries was masters student Darren Gibson with his solo for tenor horn entitled, 'Spirit of Nature'.

The new 'Best Arrangement' award went to Jared McCunnie with his arrangement of, 'God put a smile upon your face' with the runner-up James Atkins with his version of 'When You Were Young'.

There was clear invention and insight in both categories and thanks to the support of Kirklees Music we believe this award continues to provide an essential stepping stone for you composers and arrangersDr Brett Baker

Clear invention

Dr Brett Baker, Programme Leader — Musical Arts at the University of Salford told 4BR. "Once again we were delighted by the standard of the entries brought forward by the students.

There was clear invention and insight in both categories and thanks to the support of Kirklees Music we believe this award continues to provide an essential stepping stone for you composers and arrangers."