*
banner

Lillington's Island Life ready for premiere

A new work by composer Mary Lillington will be given its world premiere later this month.

Abbey Brass
  Mary's work is inspired by life on the island from dawn until dusk

The world premiere of a new composition about life on the Isle of Wight will be performed by Abbey Brass later this month.

'Island Life' has been written by the band's composer-in-residence Mary Lillington, and will be performed at their upcoming concert at Trinity Theatre in Cowes on September 28th.

The 10-minute work depicts several features of the island; from sunrise on Tennyson Down to carnivals, sunsets and seascapes. The piece was shortlisted in the UniBrass Composition Competition last December.

Essence of life on the island

Speaking about it, MD Phillip Littlemore said: "It's a wonderful piece from a burgeoning young composer, which I think captures the essence of life on the Island. Mary has a knack for writing lovely melodies from the opening sunrise to the closing sunset — although there are some fairly rousing elements too!

He added: "We've also drafted in extra percussion players to cover all the parts which include timpani, tam-tam, wind chimes and vibraphone. It should prove to be an exciting addition to the band repertoire and I'm sure the audience will enjoy it."

It's a wonderful piece from a burgeoning young composer, which I think captures the essence of life on the IslandMD, Philip Littlemore

Music student

Mary is a music student at Cardiff University and was appointed composer-in-residence in March.

Last year her work 'The Battle' was a finalist in the Foden's Band composition competition

Admission to the concert is free, with a retiring collection in aid of the theatre's appeal to fund much-needed repairs to its roof. It starts at 7.30.pm.

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    


Awards

2025 4BR Lower Section/Youth Band of the Year

December 25 • Such a wide range of bands doing great work on and off the contest stage this year — with a remarkable young band taking the honours.


4BR awards

2025 4BR Contest Performance of the Year

December 25 • In a year of contest winners — there was still one performance that claimed an extra first prize.


Newcomer

2025 4BR Newcomer of the Year

December 25 • An exciting year full as exciting new talent emerged in different fields and genres of the brass band movement.


4BR aWARDS

2025 4BR CD of the Year

December 25 • There were impressive recordings from impressive bands — but one stood out from the rest in 2025.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) 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

December 22 • 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.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • 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.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd