*
banner

Higgins inspired by Black Sun and Monstrous Child for new premieres

Award winning composer Gavin Higgins has taken inspiration from art and opera for his latest forthcoming world premieres.

Gavin Higgins
  The work for the Bone-afide trombone quartet is inspired by Damien Hirst's iconic work

Composer Gavin Higgins will enjoy two high profile world premieres over the next couple of months which he has told 4BR that he is really looking forward to.

Bone-afide

The first is a new composition created for the Bone-afide trombone quartet entitled 'Black Sun', a four movement work which will receive its premiere at their Regent Hall Concert in London on Saturday 16th November.

National Orchestra of Wales

The second is 'A Monstrous Little Suite' an orchestral work arranged from his score to the critically acclaimed opera written in collaboration with novelist and librettist Francesca Simon which itself was premiered at the Royal Opera House in 2019.

It will be premiered by the National Orchestra of Wales under conductor Ryan Bancroft in Cardiff and Swansea over the weekend of the 14th&15th February 2025, as part of a programme that will also include Shostakovich's 'Sixth Symphony' and trumpet star Hakan Hardenberger performing the Mieczslaw Weinberg 'Trumpet Concerto'.

As for the 'A Monstrous Little Suite'? A slippery birth, a giant's lullaby, a fight between a huge wolf and snake, a Disney love scene, and the end of the world all in 20 mins!Gavin Higgins

World class artists

"It's wonderful to be able to hear not one but two world premieres performed by world class artists,"Gavin said.

"'Black Sun' is inspired by four memorable pieces of art each depicting a very different image of the sun — from classic Monet and Turner to Olaf Eliason's remarkable Weather Project that was at the Tate Modern and Damien Hirst's work which is made up of thousands of dead flies."

Slippery birth to the end of the world in 20 mins

He added: "It's been brilliant being able to work with Bone-afide — a real delight with their artistic outlook, which really is fearless and imaginative.

As for the 'A Monstrous Little Suite'? A slippery birth, a giant's lullaby, a fight between a huge wolf and snake, a Disney love scene, and the end of the world all in 20 mins! It's lots of fun!"

Details of tickets for both events will be announced in due course.

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


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


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd