Gary Carpenter, the Chair of the 2020 Ivors Composer Awards has spoken openly to 4BR about the decision made by the organisation not to include a specific 'Wind Band or Brass Band' category in its awards this year.

It follows the withdrawal of the category in 2019 after only 3 compositions were put forward for consideration — including one from Gary himself.

Disappointment

The decision was met by disappointment by leading composers for both mediums, with Gavin Higgins, who won the 'Orchestral Category' last year stating that now was the time "for a proper discussion as to the place of wind and (brass) band music in the contemporary music world."

He was joined by two time nominee Paul McGhee who said "it was a shame that the movement will no longer have representation", whilst three time winner Simon Dobson added that he wanted to know "where was the discussion" regarding making the decision.

4BR understands that other high profile award winners and advocates for brass band composers have also come forward to air their disappointment and to try and initiate clarification over the decision in the hope that the category will be reinstated for 2021.

Winners

The British Composer Awards were created in 2003 and were rebranded as the Ivors Composer Awards in 2019. Past winners in the different categories include some of the most famous names in the musical world, whilst brass winners have also included Rory Boyle, Nigel Clarke, Lucy Pankhurst and Shri Sriram.

Category nominees in recent years include Edward Gregson, Gavin Higgins, Tom Davoren, Lucy Pankhurst, Emily Howard and Tom Davoren.

To be eligible composers must be UK born or be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and the work must have received its UK premiere performance, either live or broadcast during the 12 months prior to 31st March 2020.

There are currently 10 categories including Small and Large Chamber; Small and Large Ensemble (Jazz Composition); Choral; Chamber Orchestra; Large Orchestral; Stage Works; Sound Art and Community and Participation.

Anyone — including the composer themselves can enter their work. There is a £10 administration fee per entry which is waived if he composer is a member of the Ivors Academy.

Lack of entries

Speaking exclusively to 4BR Gary Carpenter was very clear: "Following the lack of entries in 2019 the decision was made not to have a category for wind and brass band this year.

We look at having at least 7 or 8 nominations to be able to gauge things and this was the second time in four years that the number was low (there was 7 in 2016, 13 in 2017 and 11 in 2018).

With that in mind and given that the nomination process has been made fairer, more transparent and proactive in recent years (self nomination and anonymised submissions have been introduced) — we felt it was the right decision to take with the understanding to be able to review at a later date.

That will be done — and I hope a strong case is put forward for the category to be included in the future. It will certainly be listened to."

Supportive

Gary continued: "Understandably we receive far greater numbers of nominations in other categories, but we have been very supportive of the wind and brass movement since 2003.

Works for either medium can also be entered into other categories such as small and large chamber, chamber, orchestral and community and participation.

The door has not been closed this year, but a slightly different one opened. We take a much more liberal and open approach to the interpretation of what can be entered for nomination in these categories.

Works do not have to be regarded as major 'test-pieces' played in brass band competition and we have encouraged smaller works, both in duration and structure to be put forward. The nomination process has been clear and proactive in this."

we felt it was the right decision to take with the understanding to be able to review at a later date. That will be done — and I hope a strong case is put forward for the category to be included in the future.Gary Carpenter

Listen

He added: "I would emphasise once more though — we do listen and the process of nomination is open and transparent. I have a huge respect for the brass band movement in the UK and those who work and write for the medium.

We have enjoyed some remarkable works that have been nominated and have won the wind and brass category since 2003.

However, from 13 nominations put forward in 2017 this dropped to just the three last year and I did see that 4BR had highlighted this after talking to the highly respected composer Dr John Pickard last year."

Numbers

Gary told 4BR that from 2010 to 2019, 94 works had been put forward in the brass and wind category, although over 60 alone had been put forward in the orchestral category in 2019 alone.

However, the decision has been met with widespread disappointment and 4BR understands that further representation from the banding movement will be put forward to discuss the matter with Gary, Crispin Hunt (Chairman Ivors Academy ) and Graham Davis (CEO) in the near future.

To Enter:

Entries can still be made up to 9th July: https://ivorsacademy.com/awards/the-ivors-composer-awards