*
banner

4BR Monday Interview with Fran Matthews

4BR talks to the Director of Awards at the Ivors Academy to find out more behind the categories and eligibility for nominations for this year — and how it will include works from brass band composers.

Ivors
  Fran Matthews is the Director of Awards at the Ivors Academy

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Fran Matthews on the day that the Ivors Academy has announced the criteria, eligibility and categories available for its 2021 Composer Awards.

Fran explains that Covid-19 has understandably played a huge part in deciding how the awards could be organised and administered this year — including the reason why there is no specific 'Wind and Brass Band' category once more.

Tailored response

However, she also revealed that the decision was taken to try and accommodate the widest possible response — with the categories having the flexibility to be tailored to create specific awards — including that for brass bands if enough works of quality and variety are entered.

To find out more about the 2021 awards and how a composer can be nominated for a work, go to: www.ivorsacademy.com

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    


Doodles

Doodles offer refresh for Area mouthpiece needs

February 10 • Doodles Mouthpiece Replating can offer a 48 hour replating service for players looking to give their mouthpiece a refresh ahead of the Areas.


SBBA

Mixed AGM news to report for Scottish Brass Band Association

February 10 • There was both good and bad news to report at the annual general meeting of the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Carys Wood

Cory welcome Carys

February 10 • The talented young soprano cornet star Carys Wood will perform with Cory Band at the Welsh Regional Championships next month.


Aldbourne

West of England Area line-ups confirmed

February 10 • 75 bands will head to Torquay to compete for the West of England Regional titles.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

February 10 • We are a friendly 4th section Band , looking forward to the Yorkshire area contest next month, after which we will require a cornet player, position negotiable. Our calendar is also filling up with various engagements for the year.


Chinnor Silver

February 10 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday(16th) at 11 am.. We welcome players of all abilities who would like a relaxed friendly rehearsal.. Playing with us doesn't impact your No 1 band its just an extra blow with coffee and cake


Phoenix Band Wakefield

February 8 • Required: B Flat and E Flat Bass players.. A friendly, welcoming, non competing community band in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. We enjoy entertaining and making music. Our MD is Mark Bray. Rehearsals on Fridays 7 - 8.30 at Manygates Centre, Wakefield,WF2 7DQ


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd