*
banner

Lithuanian composers inspired by legends and stories

New compositional voices have been encouraged by competition inspired bu important Lithuanian anniversary.

Palanga
  The competition attracted a number of high quality composers

Although the 2020 European Brass Band Championships were cancelled due to the global Covid-19, the MCC Palanga organisers still ensured that composers were invited to take part in a competition to find new music for wind bands.

Important date

MCC Palanga 2020 is dedicated to an important date for the whole Lithuanian nation.

March 30th 2021 marks 100th anniversary of the return of the Palanga resort and part of the Baltic coast belonging to Latvia to Lithuania.

It followed a period when there was dispute over the region after Lithuania declared its independence on February 16, 1918. After a period of negotiation a compromise solution was reached with the intervention of the League of Nations, with an act of agreement was signed on March 30th, 1921.

Theme

The theme of the MCC 2020 was 'legends and stories of Palanga' with composers asked to write original wind band compositions of high artistic and educational merit that would enrich the repertoire.

MCC Palanga 2020 had four categories; each differing in difficulty, duration and instrumentation. The organizer was PE Palangos orchestras and was financed with support from the Lithuanian Council for Culture and Palanga City Municipality.

Performances by the Palanga City Wind Orchestra of the works by the seven finalists will be held when appropriate in 2021.

These were chosen from a high quality field of entrants with the winners as well as incentive prizes chosen by the international jury panel consisting of Jan de Haan (Netherlands), Oliver Waespi (Switzerland) and Kazys Daugėla (Lithuania).

Winners

The 500 Euro winner of Category A was Rimvydas Stanaitis for the composition 'Vaidilutes sokis' (Dance of the Priestess), with Tadas Zakarauskas taking the Category B honours and 1000 Euro prize for 'Gintaro pilis' (The Amber Palace).

Category C and 1500 Euros was won by Mikas Karosas for 'Myleti karzygi' (Loving a Warrior) and Category D and 2000 Euro by Linas Rupslaukis for 'Tiltai' (The Bridges).

Given the rapidly expanding wind and brass band movement in Lithuainia, I'm sure there's a lot of exciting music for wind and brass we can expect in the years to comeOliver Waespi

Encouraging success

Speaking to 4BR, Oliver Waespi said: "Despite the fact that it took place in this difficult pandemic year, the competition was a highly encouraging success of a remarkably high standard.

We also found a lot of creativity and personality in the works with orchestration and the particular sound of this fascinating medium. Given the rapidly expanding wind and brass band movement in Lithuainia, I'm sure there's a lot of exciting music for wind and brass we can expect in the years to come."

That was echoed by Jan de Haan, who added: "I was not only very surprised by the large number of submissions, but also by the quality of the works. It is good to see that so many Lithuanian composers are interested in the wind music world."

Gratifying

Kazys Daugėla added: "The competition was very professionally organized. It is also gratifying that the organizers sought to encourage Lithuanian composers to create new works for wind orchestras which still lack high-quality Lithuanian repertoire.

The strong competition saw the composers responsibly delve into the theme and the emergence of new authors was very gratifying."

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    


nybbgb

NYBBGB Tidworth Concert now on YouTube

May 30 • The impressive concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and featuring Isobel Daws can now by enjoyed time and time again.


mUSIC

Pressure pays off as music still on offer at Cardiff University

May 28 • Music degrees will still be on offer at Cardiff University although under new plans to revise entry targets and content.


John Wallace

Wallace honoured by International Trumpet Guild

May 28 • John Wallace CBE follows in the musical footsteps of Maurice Andre, Philip Jones, Miles Davis and Maurice Murphy with his latest accolade.


BBE Seaside

Oh we do like to play beside the seaside...

May 28 • BBE launches its 'Brass at the Seaside' initiative to help bands reach out to new audiences.


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Otley Brass Association - Joanne Dexter, Soprano

Saturday 31 May • The Bridge United Reformed Church. Bridge Street. Otley, LS21 1RW LS21 1RW


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Epping Forest Band

May 31 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn.. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year.. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band

May 29 • The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band has an immediate vacancy for French Horn and Oboe players. The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band is a Cambridgeshire based symphonic wind band with an excellent reputation within the local community and surrounding area.


Ocean Brass

May 29 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a baritone player (seat negotiable), as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond!


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd