The death has been announced of composer Ernest Tomlinson, known for both his orchestral and brass band output in a musical career spanning over 70 years. He was aged 90.

Admired

Born in Rawtenstall in Lancashire in 1924, he went on to study composition, organ and clarinet at Manchester University and the Royal Manchester College of Music. Upon graduation, he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and an Associate of the RMCM.

Light orchestral works such as 'An English Overture', 'Cantilena', 'Little Serenade' (later arranged for brass band) and 'Woodicock' were much admired for their compositional craft as well as being popular with audiences.

He had his first piece broadcast by the BBC in 1949 and his works were regularly featured on radio up until his death — finding new audiences through stations such as Classic FM.

Cornet Concerto

He first wrote for the brass bands in 1950, although his compositional reputation for the medium centers on his iconic 'Cornet Concerto', commissioned for the 1974 National Brass Band Festival at the Royal Albert Hall following the National Championship, at which he made his sole appearance as an adjudicator.

Performed by Maurice Murphy it immediately provided the authentic litmus test of world class musicianship for cornet players — and one that to this day, few have truly mastered.

His 'Cornet Concerto' immediately provided the authentic litmus test of world class musicianship for cornet players — and one that to this day, few have truly mastered4BR

Light orchestra

Tomlinson began his career as a staff arranger for a London publisher, and was soon in demand as an arranger and composer. In 1955, he formed the Ernest Tomlinson Light Orchestra, and founded the Northern Concert Orchestra in 1969.

He became chairman of the Light Music Society — post he held for over 40 years and won the Composers' Guild award in 1965. He received two Ivor Novello Awards: one for his 1975 ballet 'Aladdin', the other for services to light music.

He was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2012 for his services to music.