Benjamin Fuller, a student at James Madison University in Virginia, USA has won the 2022 RWCMD Cory Composition Prize, sponsored by New Moon Insurance.

The 20 year old's work, 'The Tortoise and the Hare' inspired by Aesop's famous fable, beat three other shortlisted finalists from an initial field of 35 entries, and after worldwide audience voting and detailed scrutiny by judges Philip Harper, Liz Lane and Nigel Seaman.

Honoured

On hearing the news Benjamin said: "I'm so incredibly honoured! Cory has always been one of my go-to ensembles for brass band listening, and watching my work evolve from mere sketches on paper to an award-winning composition has been an absolutely fantastic journey!

Thank you so much to Philip Harper, Cory Band, and everyone who has assisted me in my musical career! "

The other shortlisted pieces were 'Dance with the Brass Tonight' by Katerina Horka from the Czech Republic, 'Aspects of the Sky' by Hans Loirs from France, and 'Reminiscence' by Hendrick de Boer from the Netherlands.

Worldwide response

Cory released the performances over four days with an amazing worldwide response as over 1500 people voted for their favourite composition, which was weighed 50/50 with the judges' opinion.

The public vote winner was 'Dance with the Brass Tonight', whilst Nigel Seaman and Philip Harper's opted for 'The Tortoise and the Hare' and Liz Lane went for 'Aspects of the Sky'.

watching my work evolve from mere sketches on paper to an award-winning composition has been an absolutely fantastic journey!Benjamin Fuller

Congratulations

Speaking about the response and outcome, Philip Harper told 4BR: "As everyone can see from the results, all four of the finalists were evenly matched and I would actually have been very happy to add any of them to our current Cory Band repertoire. We offer our congratulations to all four."

Speaking specifically about the winning entry, 'The Tortoise and the Hare' Nigel Seaman said that it was an "effective and enjoyable depiction of the famous Aesop fable with great opportunities for audience participation.

Meanwhile, Liz added that it was, "an imaginative concept which tells a great story and brings a smile to the face."

Benjamin will receive a £300 cash prize, sponsored by New Moon Insurance, as well as a contract to publish the piece with Wright & Round Music Publishers with performances given by the Cory Band at its upcoming concerts.