NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has launched it new John Gillam Young Composers' Competition.

The 2027 edition is open to young composers aged 30 and under to create a new work, with the winning composition to be performed by the NYBBGB under Philip Harper.

John Gillam

The third competition is named after the late John Gillam, whose contribution to the NYBBGB spanned more than five decades. Supported by the Garrick Charitable Trust, it asks for an original work of up to five minutes for standard brass band instrumentation, with entries closing on 31st December.

The entries will be considered by Errollyn Wallen CBE, Master of the King's Music; NYBBGB President Martyn Brabbins and Philip Harper, who becomes the NYBBGB's Director of Artistic Planning in 2027.

Performance

The winning composition will be performed at the two Youth Band Summer Concerts in August 2027.

The winner will receive a £900 cash prize, mentoring and the opportunity to hear their work developed, rehearsed and performed. The runner-up will receive £300 and a one-to-one coaching session with a member of the judging panel.

The competition will incorporate an extensive practical development stage, giving shortlisted composers the opportunity to work directly with the NYBBGB and develop their music before final judging.

Workshopped

The judging panel will select three compositions to be workshopped by the NYBBGB on Sunday 16th May at the University of Birmingham. Shortlisted composers will be expected to attend in person.

Each will take part in a 45-minute open session in which their piece will be rehearsed, explored and developed in collaboration with the conductor and young musicians. Following the workshops, composers will have the opportunity to revise and resubmit their scores, accompanied by an explanation of any changes they have made.

NYBBGB musicians will also have an input into the process, with the final decision resting with the official judging panel. The winner will be announced by 31st May.

Something more

Speaking about the opportunity it offers, Philip Harper said: "As a composer, I know there is nothing quite like hearing your music brought to life by musicians for the first time.

This competition offers something more than a performance though: it gives young composers the opportunity to work with the NYBBGB, hear what works in practice, exchange ideas with the musicians and develop their piece before it reaches its final form."

He added: "I'm particularly looking forward to discovering the individuality and imagination of the composers who enter. I hope young composers from all musical backgrounds will see this as an invitation to enter."

Musical legacy

Those sentiments were echoed by NYBBGB, CEO, Mark Bromley who added: "2027 will also mark our 75th anniversary, and this competition is a wonderful example of how we can celebrate an extraordinary musical legacy while continuing to invest in the future.

John Gillam believed passionately in young people and in musical excellence. It therefore feels particularly fitting that our Young Composers' Competition should carry his name."

He added: "We are very grateful to the Garrick Charitable Trust for supporting the 2027 competition and helping us create this opportunity for the next generation of composers."

I'm particularly looking forward to discovering the individuality and imagination of the composers who enter. I hope young composers from all musical backgrounds will see this as an invitation to enterPhilip Harper

How to enter:

The competition is open to composers aged 30 or under on 1st January 2027.

Entries must be submitted by 31st December 2026. Works must be new, unpublished, not previously publicly performed, written for standard brass band instrumentation and last no more than five minutes.

Entrants must also be available to attend the shortlisted composers' workshop at the Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birmingham, on Sunday 16th May, should their composition be selected.