Although there is no 'Wind Band or Brass Band category at this year's Ivors Composer Awards, congratulations will certainly be sent to Jasper Dommett following the announcement that the talented Devon composer has been nominated in the 'Large Orchestral' category for his work 'Night Music' commissioned by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

The Ivors Academy is the UK's independent professional association for music creators with its annual awards recognising creative excellence in classical, jazz and sound arts.

Pinnacle

Recognised as a pinnacle of achievement since 1956, an Ivor Novello Award represents prestigious peer recognition within the UK music community.

Past winners from the brass band world include 2019 winners Edward Gregson and Gavin Higgins as well as Nigel Clarke, Tom Davoren, Lucy Pankhurst, Rory Boyle and Simon Dobson.

To be eligible composers must be UK born or be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom with their work having 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.

Special

Speaking to 4BR about the news Jasper said: "The Ivors are such an important part of contemporary music in Britain, although I can't help by having severe impostor syndrome.

In the past, artists who have been nominated, in particular the orchestral category, have been towering figures who I truly look up too such as Harrison Birtwistle, Helen Grime, Gavin Higgins, Raymond Yiu and many more.

To be nominated for the work I wrote for BBC NOW is also special. The orchestra has been integral to my development as a composer, not only enabling my music to be realised but also through their expansive programming. Experiencing a diverse range of live music on a regular basis is a composer's best education."

Special place

Jasper told 4BR that 'Night Music' has a special place in his musical heart, as the 10 minute work is dedicated to his late grandmother Mary Dommett, and acts as both a celebration of her life but also a goodbye letter after a long illness.

"She is quite literally embedded in the piece with the main melody, which underpins the work, outlining a whistle call to each other to find one another when we were exploring,"he explained.

"I see this nomination as something for her. Whilst this piece has this deep personal connection, the programmatic nature explores night time and my emotional response to it. Conjuring up images of stillness juxtaposed with moments of energy gives a sense of all the night creatures rustling around.

Through different lenses a listener can interpret this piece in many different ways.

Music picks up where our words fail and therefore should leave a room for each of us to imagine our own world when we listen."

Excited

He added: "Over the 4 years at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff I've been fortunate to experience their amazing concerts. I'm also so excited about the future of the BBC NOW with Lisa Tregale and Ryan Bancroft at the helm, who have very exciting ideas."

My thanks go to them and especially Joseph Davies, and the Head of Composition, John Hardy at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama who convinced me to enter.

Even when you don't believe in yourself, your tutors do. That is one of the best qualities about RWCMD."

Music picks up where our words fail and therefore should leave a room for each of us to imagine our own world when we listenJasper Dommett

Inspiration

Jasper grew up in Devon and was taught for free by Sidmouth Town Band's, Fiona and Adrian Harvey.

"They taught me pretty much everything I know, even how to mime in the quick bits!"Jasper said. "They also gave me the room to explore my own compositions at band practice which was integral to my development.

I also remember the first time I knew I wanted to compose. It was hearing 'Devil and the Deep Blue Sea' by Derek Bourgeois.

After hearing it I knew I wanted to write something which made bands sound like that. It's no coincidence that the band which I heard play that day — Flowers, is the band I'm so lucky to play for today."

Listen to the work

You can hear the work at: https://soundcloud.com/jasper-dommett/night-music-excerpt

The nominations in the 'Large Orchestral' category are: Mark Simpson ('Clarinet Concerto'); Joe Cutler ('Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii); Jonny Greenwood (Horror Vacui') and Emily Howard ('The Anvil').

The winners will be announced on Tuesday 1st December.