*
banner

Manchester inspires A4 Composition winners

The rich history of the city of Manchester has inspired the composers in their winning works for the A4 Brass Quartet.

A4 Brass Quartet
  The works will be performed by the A4 Brass Quartet

The award winning A4 Brass Quartet has announced the prize winners of its third annual composition competition.

This year's award was judged in collaboration with Bramwell Tovey and Edward Gregson and received a large number of entries from nine different countries. The composers were given a free brief for their works, although they were to be inspired by the quartet's spiritual home of Manchester.

Winner

For the third year it was a product of the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff that took the overall honours.

Jake Thorpe followed in the footsteps of Daniel Hall and Andy Wareham with his composition entitled, 'Cottonopolis' — reflecting the city's rich textile industrial heritage.

Highly accomplished

A spokesperson for the A4 Quartet told 4BR: "The overall standard of compositions was excellent and showed what exciting talent there is to tap into for the brass band movement.

Jake's work is a highly accomplished composition; combining strong writing effects and mature technique with visceral energy contrasting moments of tranquil beauty.

It's a work we are really looking forward to performing in concerts and another fine example of a composer with a great future — hopefully with strong links to the banding movement."

Andrew Champion's 'The Manchester Ballads', with its more reflective look back at the city's history was runner-up. It was the second consecutive year he has been a finalist in the competition.

Jake's work is a highly accomplished composition; combining strong writing effects and mature technique with visceral energy contrasting moments of tranquil beautyA4 Brass Quartet

Next generation

The 'Under-24 award' designed to encourage the next generation of brass chamber music composers was won by Derri Lewis, another student at the RWCMD in Cardiff. With another entirely different source of inspiration, his 'Madchester' was inspired by the city's famous nightclub lifestyle.

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd