*
banner

Results: 5th European Composers Competition

Paul McGhee has won the 5th Composers Competition at the De Doelen Concert Hall in Rotterdam with a work of dark intent.

Paul McGhee
 

A work that causes people to be culled in a darkly dystopian world has won the 5th European Composers Competition in Rotterdam.

Crepuscular

The brilliantly crepuscular composition from the pen of 32 year old English composer Paul McGhee claimed the 3000 Euro first prize, after he beat off the challenge of a trio of talented rivals at the De Doelen Hall on Thursday evening.

Entitled ‘Lullaby’, the work takes its inspiration from the horror satire novel of the same name by the American writer Chuck Palahniuk, which sees a vivid recitation of a poem imbue it with the malevolant ability to cull the people to whom it is read — men, women and children.

Regarded as a highly influential novel it was nominated for a Bram Stoker publishing award in 2002.

Celebration

Despite the downbeat outcome of the original book, there was nothing but celebration to be found in the air at the conclusion of the results ceremony on Thursday after Paul was read out as the winner.

"I’m delighted but totally surprised," he told 4BR. "It’s a work that does have a very dark heart, but I believe it's an uplifting story in many ways."

Appreciative

On a night when four highly talented compositional voices were heard by an appreciative audience, Paul’s work caught the fancy of the international panel of judges, which included Philip Sparke, Oliver Waespi and Ed de Boer, who has written the set test for the Championship Section contest at this year’s event.

..the work takes its inspiration from the horror satire novel of the same name by the American writer Chuck Palahniuk, which sees a vivid recitation of a poem imbued with the ability to cull the people to whom it is read4BR

Keenly fought

However, the panel also revealed that they were not all in agreement in their choice of winner – although they were agreed that the overall standard this year was excellent.

In a keenly fought contest, it was the Swede, Joel Engstrom who was declared runner up, and in the process won 2,000 Euros for his pulsating composition entitled, ‘Impact’.

Welsh representative Tom Davoren was placed third with his intriguing musical self portrait, ‘Looking In, a Self Portrait for Brass Band’ which won him 500 Euros, whilst the audience prize of 500 Euros plus another 500 Euros for coming fourth, went to Marc Jeanbourguin of Switzerland with his kaleidoscopic, ‘Red Mountain.’

Sensational Cobb

With both Brass Band Rijnmond and Brass Band Groningen providing excellent performances of all four works, and with LSO Principal Trumpet, Philip Cobb on simply sensational form as guest soloist, the event provided the championships with a highly enjoyable aperitif before the main competitive action on Friday afternoon.

Celebrate

Nobody celebrated quite like Paul McGhee though, watched with admiration by his partner and award winning composer Lucy Pankhurst.

They had hired a barge in Rotterdam harbour with fellow finalist Tom Davoren to stay for the festival – so as Paul later told 4BR, "When we get back there, we’ll make sure it will be rocking..."

Further live coverage plus video interview can be found at:
http://www.4barsrest.com/live/2012EuropeanChampionships/?s=composercompetition

Result

1. Paul McGhee (England) — Lullaby
2. Joe Engstrom (Sweden) — Impact
3. Tom Davoren (Wales) — Looking In, a Self Portrait for Brass Band
4. Marc Jeanbourguin (Switzerland) — Red Mountain

Audience vote: Marc Jeanbourguin

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    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd