4BR has been informed that there has already been an excellent response to the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain 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.

Really encouraged

NYBBGB Audience Development Manager Simon Watts told 4BR: "We've been really encouraged by the response so far and we hope many more talented young writers submit their works for consideration. There is still plenty of time."

In announcing the competition on 4BR in October, in-coming Artistic Director Philip Harper said that he was particularly looking forward to "discovering the individuality and imagination of the composers who enter."

John Gillam

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

These will be considered by Errollyn Wallen CBE, Master of the King's Music; NYBBGB President Martyn Brabbins and Philip Harper.

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. The winner will be announced by 31st May.

We've been really encouraged by the response so far and we hope many more talented young writers submit their works for consideration. There is still plenty of timeNYBBGB

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 Works must be new, unpublished, not previously publicly performed, written for standard brass band instrumentation and last no more than five minutes.

More information

Full competition rules, instrumentation guidance, sample scores and details of how to enter are available from The NYBBGB website.

Competition information and applications: www.nybbgb.org.uk/whats-on/competitions/young-composers-competition-2027