*
banner

Wainwright's 'Spirit' claims Cory composition award

Andrew Wainwright's, 'The Spirit of St Louis' — celebrating the first trans-Atlantic flight by Charles Lindbergh in 1927 wins the RWCMD Cory Composition Prize.

cORY
  Andrew's parents were in hand to accept the award at the RWCMD in Cardiff

A work celebrating the first solo non-stop transatlantic from the USA to Europe undertaken by Charles Lindbergh in 1927 has won the 2018 RWCMD Cory Composition Prize.

'The Spirit of St Louis' by Andrew Wainwright claimed the £300 award donated by Kapitol Promotions and a publishing contract with Wright & Round Music Publishers following its performance by Cory under MD Philip Harper at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff last weekend.

Epic half-pint

The final shortlist of three works performed in the night also included 'Bop!' by Matthew Shaw, a RNCM graduate and 'Autumn Hill' by Stephen Wood, Head of Brass at Wakefield Music Service.

However, it was Andrew's evocative composition that eventually triumphed, with the celebrated trumpeter John Wallace, who was part of the judging panel alongside composer Liz Lane and Cory's music consultant Nigel Seaman, stating; "There was much to commend from all finalists, but the winner had the edge — it was like an epic half-pint!"

Andrew, who is the Deputy Divisional Music Director for the Salvation Army in Texas will now see the work published and performed by Cory over the next 12 months.

Welsh premiere

Cory also gave the Welsh premiere of a new work by Scottish composer Jay Capperauld called 'As Above, So Below', which featured John Wallace's celebrated Wallace Collection quintet.

The work saw them playing from the balcony of the Dora Stoutzker Hall ('As Above') with the band on stage ('So Below'), as well as utilise several innovative effects such as the reciting of ancient cryptic text.

Andrew, who is the Deputy Divisional Music Director for the Salvation Army in Texas will now see the work published and performed by Cory over the next 12 months4BR

Filmatic

Cory MD Philip Harper told 4BR that the whole evening was an excellent celebration of new brass composition. "The standard was high this year, and we enjoyed working on the three pieces — an up tempo funk number, a lyrical piece and the programmatic, filmatic style of Andrew's winning work.

The three judges were unanimous in their verdict, and we were delighted once again to generate so much new music for band!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Tredeagr Band

New addition to Tredegar tuba team

October 28 • Edward Falloon, the principal tuba of the National Youth Orchestra joins the bass section at the Welsh Champion.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 28 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd