Two leading composers who have written extensively for the brass band movement have won prestigious Ivors Composer Awards at a high profile presentation evening held at the British Museum in London.

Gregson and Higgins

Edward Gregson and Gavin Higgins claimed the 'Amateur or Young Performers' and 'Orchestra' categories respectively for their works, 'The Salamander and the Moonraker' and 'The Book of Miracles' trombone concerto.

Now in their 17th year, the awards previously known as the British Composer Awards, honour the best new works by UK contemporary composers in the fields of classical, jazz and sound art, and are sponsored by PRS for Music. The event is held in association with BBC Radio 3.

Evolving

Speaking at the event, Crispin Hunt, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said:"The works recognised and the creators behind them adventure far into the evolving musical landscape.

We're thrilled to award such a rich variety of talent. Our congratulations go out to all the nominees and winners."

Works

Edward Gregson's 'The Salamander and the Moonraker' was nominated in the Amateur or Young Performers category alongside 'Agreed' by Howard Moody and 'Ghost Songs' by Gary Carpenter.

The work was premiered by the Halle Orchestra and Children's Choir at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester in July 2018, with the text written by his wife, Susan.

Gavin Higgins' Trombone Concerto, 'The Book of Miracles' was nominated in the Orchestral Category alongside works from Kenneth Hesketh ('Uncoiling the River') and Helen Grime ('Woven Space').

The work was written for Helen Vollam and was premiered by her and the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Alexander Vedernikov in February this year. It is inspired by the pages of an illuminated 16th century manuscript packed full of incredible mythical monsters, comets, eclipses and mock suns called parhelia.

In his acceptance speech Edward Gregson made a passionate plea in support of music education whilst Gavin Higgins did likewise in support of the brass band movement4BR

Speeches

In his acceptance speech Edward Gregson made a passionate plea in support of music education whilst Gavin Higgins did likewise in support of the brass band movement.