*
banner

International line-up for conducting final

Four high class conductors look to add a brass band title to their impressive CVs.

BBC
  The final will be broadcast on Sunday 27th June

The Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA) has announced the names of the four musicians who will compete in the final of their international Conductor's Competition.

33 video performances were received from across the world with the entrants conducting a wide range of musical ensembles and a varied choice of musical genre.

£500 prize

Four finalists have now selected to compete for the £500 first prize of the organisation's flagship competition.

It will be judged by Paul Holland, MD of the Flowers Band, Brendan Breslin, a former winner of the competition and current BBCA Irish Representative, and Bjarte Engeset, the critically acclaimed Music Director of the Royal Norwegian Navy Orchestra who has worked with both Bjørsvik Brass and Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag.

Alan Duguid BBCA panel member told 4BR: "The field of entrants has been of an exceptionally high standard with videos demonstrating great conducting skills across a wide range of ensembles and musical genres.

The entries were so strong we could not limit the final to just three, so have selected four exceptional candidates to go through to the final round."

Finalists:

The finalists are:

Alexander Webb — an Assistant Conductor for BBC Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and the current Music Director at Poulton-Le-Fylde Band. He previously won the Best Conductor award at the UniBrass Championships.

CJ Wu has conducted the BBC Concert Orchestra as well as the Bucharest Royal Camerata Orchestra, South Bohemian Orchestra, Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra and Brasov Philharmonic. She has also been invited to be part of international masterclasses led by Riccardo Muti, Daniele Gatti and Marin Alsop.

Denis Salvini is the principal conductor of Orchestra Fiati di Valle Camonica. He has achieved success in competitions with many bands and ensembles across Europe and is a founder and board member of DIBA (Italian Band Directors Association).

Gaddiel Dombrowner has held posts including that of Principal guest conductor of the Kunming International Philharmonic (China), and the Music Fest Perugia (Italy) conducting faculty. He has also gained success in other conducting competitions and has been featured in concerts with a number of national orchestras, most recently the Ashdod Symphony Orchestra.

The entries were so strong we could not limit the final to just three, so have selected four exceptional candidates to go through to the final roundBBCA

Final broadcast

The adjudication of the final will be broadcast on Sunday 27th June (2.00pm)

For more information go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/what-we-do/brass-band-conductors-association

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    


Cory

Cory set for Orbital premiere

January 18 • A visit from the composer Richard Blackford and conductor Martyn Brabbins adds to the levels of preparation ahead of eagerly anticipated world premiere at RNCM Festival.


Whitburn

Whitburn awards youth and experience

January 18 • The Scottish champion presents its annual awards to players of all ages and experience who have done their bit to keep the organisation at the top of their game.


Ralph Brill

Brill appointment at Dalmellington

January 18 • Ralph Brill has become the new resident conductor at Dalmellington Band.


cooperation

Perc addition to coop attractions

January 18 • The Brass in Concert Champion has launched a new monthly percussion ensemble open to players of all ages and experience.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd