*
banner

The write stuff for Cory attracts worldwide response

Four works by international composers will battle it out to become the 2022 RWCMD Cory Composition Prize winner.

Cory
  The competition attracted worldwide entries

The worldwide appeal of writing for the world's number 1 ranked band has attracted entries from across the globe to be featured by Cory Band as part of their 2022 RWCMD Cory Composition Prize.

Bumper entries

Speaking about the success, MD Philip Harper told 4BR: "We had a sizeable response to the relaunch of this competition and this shortlist has been narrowed down from a bumper 35 entries.

I guess lots of people were busy creating new music during the pandemic, and in fact we had several pandemic-themed pieces."

He added: "I believe it's always important to encourage new music for our genre and there were many excellent quality entries. It was certainly a difficult decision to arrive at a final four and we want to thank all the composers that took part."

Finalists

The four finalists and their works are:

'The Tortoise and the Hare' (Ben Fuller — USA)
'Dance with the Brass Tonight' (Katerina Horka — Czech Republic)
'Aspects of the Sky' (Hans Loirs — France)
'Reminiscence' (Hendrik de Boer — The Netherlands)

The band will now set about rehearsing and performing each pieces, before revealing them all in a series of YouTube broadcasts later this year which will also feature interviews with the composers, judges and band members.

Viewer vote

Viewers will be able to vote for their favourite new piece which will be pronounced the winner.

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd