*
banner

Composer competition attracts worldwide interest

The inaugural International Brass Band Composer Competition has attracted over 90 entrants from around the musical globe.

Wainwright
  The competition has attracted over 90 worldwide entrants

The deadline has now passed for the inaugural International Brass Band Composer Competition.

92 entries have been received from 14 different countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, the USA and Wales.

Delighted

Competition organiser Andrew Wainwright told 4BR: "The standard has been remarkably high, and we're delighted to have received so many entries from such a wide range of countries. Our thanks go to everyone who took the time to participate."

The judges James Curnow, Dr. Liz Lane and Paul Hindmarsh, will now have the task of narrowing down the entrants to five finalists, each of whom will have 'follow-the-score' videos produced of their works and shared on social media.

Viewers will have the chance to vote for their favourite entry, with a 'Public Commendation Prize' being awardedorganisers

Final announcement

Those progressing to the final will be announced on Thursday, 17th September and have follow-the-score videos posted at www.facebook.com/andrewwainwrightmusic and on Youtube.

Viewers will have the chance to vote for their favourite entry, with a 'Public Commendation Prize' being awarded to the piece with most likes on Youtube by 6.00pm UK time on Thursday 1st October. The overall winner will also be announced later that day.

They will receive £100 cash (sponsored by Besson), a download license to the music playback programme NotePerformer, and publication of their work through BrookWright Music — www.brookwrightmusic.com whilst also receiving any associated royalties.

Meanwhile, the 'Public Commendation Prize' winner will receive a £100 gift voucher towards a Geneva instrument.

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    


Making Music

New CEO at Making Music

September 3 • Making Music appoints Ben Saffell as its new Chief Executive Officer.


Sparke

British Open Countdown: T minus 9

September 3 • The countdown is underway for this year's British Open with 'Music of the Spheres' ready for lift off. But which European own-choice topping piece comes close to it in contest popularity since it was used in 2004?


Friary

New signing at Friary

September 3 • Cornish cornet player Jacob Griffiths returns to the banding fold with Friary.


BrookWright

2026 BrookWright Solo winners announced

September 3 • Mark Vause and Elijah Baker claim the main category awards with 11-year-old cornetist Bradley Mahungu capturing the Public Commendation Prize.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd