Composer Edward Gregson has told 4BR that he looking forward to presenting the keynote address at the first Brass Bands England Conference in Sale tomorrow (Saturday 28th September).
His speech will open an event that carries the optimistic title, 'Better Banding for All', and which will welcome delegates from all parts of the UK. Delegates will also be able to take part in workshop sessions of their choice on topics including Diversity and Inclusion, Safeguarding, Creative Funding, Copyright, Recordings Rights and Distribution, and Mental Health and Wellbring, as well as enjoy a panel discussion on the topic of the current purpose and structure of brass band contesting. He told 4BR: "It's a great honour to be asked to give the inaugural address to a conference which I feel is of great importance for the banding movement. I hope my address will help initiate further constructive debate on how the brass band movement can move towards the third decade of the millennium." The speech marks the beginning of a busy time for the composer, with his 75th birthday on the horizon in July 2020. His collaborative commission between five partner countries, entitled, 'The World Rejoicing' (Symphonic Variations on a Lutheran Chorale) will be used as the set-work for the British Open Championship at Symphony Hall on 12th September, as well as the test-piece for the National Championships in The Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium in November 2020 and Norway in February 2021. In addition to a landmark CD recording made by London Brass directed by Ramon Gamba, to be released next April on the Chandos label, it will also see the world premiere of his 'Oboe Concerto' and US premiere of his 'Cello Concerto', plus a recording of his complete piano music by Murray McLachlan to be released on the Naxos label.Honour
Busy
I hope my address will help initiate further constructive debate on how the brass band movement can move towards the third decade of the millenniumEdward Gregson
Landmark recording
CD Recording
