The Finals of this year’s NABBC Conductors Competition will take place on Saturday, 21st June, in the Main Hall of Unity College, Northampton.

Finalists

The six candidates who have qualified to take part, based on the results of the three heats, held in March and April, are: Chris J. Andrews, Graham Jacklin, Paul W. T. Jenkins, David Johnson, Matthew Pollard and Jef Sparkes.

The evening session will commence at 6.30pm when, following a short sight reading test, the candidates will conduct a concert performance of the work they rehearsed during the afternoonNABBC

Afternoon session

The afternoon session will see each candidate rehearsing the renowned Virtuosi GUS Band on one of three works chosen for study – Diversions (Bourgeois), Isaiah 40 (Redhead) and Lowry Sketchbook (Wilby).

Candidates will ballot on the day for which work they will perform. This session will last from 1.30 p.m. until around 5 o’clock.

During the tea break the candidates will be interviewed by the adjudicators, Geoffrey Brand and NABBC President, Roy Newsome

Evening session

The evening session will commence at 6.30pm when, following a short sight reading test, the candidates will conduct a concert performance of the work they rehearsed during the afternoon.

Following the completion of the competition, Virtuosi GUS Band, conductor John Berryman, will give a short concert prior the announcement of results. There are three prizes — £1,000, £500 and £200.

Open to the public

The event is open to the public. Tickets are priced at £5 each and will be available on the door.

The NABBC is very grateful to Virtuosi, the main sponsor of the event. We would also like to thank John Berryman and the Virtuosi GUS Band for their great contribution to the Finals.