A new work that reflects on the ongoing challenges of the current Coronavirus pandemic has won the inaugural International Composition Competition run by the award winning When Tuba Comes One brass quartet.

'Pandemic!' by Bristol based freelance composer Joe Galuszka took the £300 first prize with the added bonus that it will now be recorded by the ensemble and included on their forthcoming debut CD release.

Resonance

Speaking to 4BR, Joe said that he was thrilled to have won, but even more so as it was with a work that he felt had a real resonance for the times we live in.

"I'm delighted that the judges felt that the work which reflects on the challenges we all face with the current Covid-19 pandemic was something that could be communicated successfully with a low brass quartet."

He added: "I really enjoy the challenge of writing for low brass as my playing experience encompasses tuba playing. The brief allowed me free rein so 'Pandemic!' became an 8 minute work in three distinct parts that reflects on the chaos, loss and solidarity that it has produced.

The thematic approaches were clear for me though and hope that will resonate with performers and listeners alike in the future."

Successful portfolio

Joe graduated from the University of Bristol in 2019 after studying composition for film and television and has gone on to develop a successful portfolio of work — including scores for wildlife documentaries and programmes and gaining commissions for works for orchestra.

He added: "All freelance musicians are facing a difficult time at present so this has come as a great boost to me with further interesting work in the pipeline."

The brief allowed me free rein so 'Pandemic!' became an 8 minute work in three distinct parts that reflects on the chaos, loss and solidarity that it has producedJoe Galuszka

17 new works

Speaking about the 17 entries which they received When Tuba Comes One, who in 2019 won first prize at the ITEA competition in the USA, said that they will now feature six new works on their first CD release.

"We're also delighted to announce these works will feature on our new CD. We want to thank all the competitors for their entries, and we thoroughly enjoyed playing every piece. There are now 17 new works for the low brass repertoire. This is such a great step forward and we can't wait to perform these new pieces as soon as we can!"

Severn Flood (Jacob Ashworth)
Persevere and Rebuild (Ian Lester)
The New Beginning (Samuel Shelly)
In the Beginning (Jose Flores)
Ruminate (Hugh Morris)
On Board the Dometer (Paul Saggers)