Derwent Brass has announced the appointment of Matthew Eden as their new Associate Composer.

Matthew has just finished his tenure as 'Young Composer in Residence' with Black Dyke, and was approached to further bolster Derwent's artistic progression alongside 'Contemporary Music Associate', Paul McGhee.

Pleasure

Matthew, who studies composition under Laura Bowler at the RNCM, has also spent time working alongside Prof Peter Graham, and told 4BR: "I'm delighted to make this link with Derwent Brass. I've enjoyed a long personal connection with them and it has always been a great pleasure.

From the dialogue with MD Jack Capstaff, the future looks very exciting and I consider myself fortunate to have such an open-minded group for which to write. I look forward to seeing what we are able to create together."

Distinctive

In response, Jack Capstaff added: "I have a passion to advance the artistic scope of brass band music and I believe Matthew will play an important part in this.

We have already performed one of his original works 'Meditation', and it was immediately obvious that he has a distinctive compositional voice.

I'm delighted that he accepted our invitation to formalise the relationship so we can maximise our joint artistic potential."

We have already performed one of his original works 'Meditation', and it was immediately obvious that he has a distinctive compositional voiceMD, Jack Capstaff

Recorded and performed

Matthew's music has been recorded and performed by the Halle Orchestra, Black Dyke, Foden's, Christopher Bill, and more recently Derwent Brass, including two commissions on their latest CD.

Matthew and Paul McGhee also recently penned works for the band's successful concert which marked the end of Keith Leonard's tenure as Musical Director.