*
banner

Hanson's winning composition lights up Foden's competition

A new work written by the Aurora Borealis wins the inaugural Foden's Composer's Competition for 21 year old Dave Hanson.

Fodens
 

Dave Hanson from Derby was declared the inaugural winner of the Foden's Under 23 Composer Competition at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on Sunday evening.

Colourful

In a highly enjoyable evening of premieres by six talented young writers for brass band, Dave’s colourful evocation of the famous Northern Lights beat off high class competition from Nic Mills, Matthew Brett, Aaron Wolfe, Matthew Eden and Daniel Hall.

The 21 year old’s work entitled, ‘Aurora Borealis’ will now be commercially published as well as being performed by Foden's on their forthcoming Allan Withington Conducting School and at a high profile Foden's Youth Band Concert.

New compositional talent

Launched in January, the Foden’s competition was run in conjunction with the RNCM, and was devised to unearth and encourage new compositional talent, with a second, ‘Open’ category to be held later this year.

On Sunday evening, Foden’s performed each work in turn to an appreciative audience, with each composer receiving invaluable feedback from judges Philip Sparke, Michael Fowles and Dr Peter Meechan, who gave his opinions ahead of the night from his current home in Canada.

Praise

Philip Sparke was certainly fulsome in his praise when offering his thoughts, advice and opinions, whilst MD Michael Fowles also declared himself to be deeply impressed as he assessed each composition from a conductor’s perspective.

With Foden’s still in celebratory mood following their record-breaking Whit Friday winning efforts, the band still had just enough stamina in the tank to dust off a rousing performance of ‘The President’ march — in case any fans had missed their remarkable Tameside efforts.

Enjoyed

Speaking to 4BR after the announcement of the results, Foden's Mark Wilkinson said: "We had an outstanding entry from all around the banding world, with the three judges cutting the list down to just six very fine works which we enjoyed performing with Philip and Michael in an excellent workshop.

We now hope that these talented composers will take further invaluable insight with them from the event in what promises to be exciting compositional futures."

We had an outstanding entry from all around the banding world, with the three judges cutting the list down to just six very fine worksMark Wilkinson, Foden's Band

Thanks

He added: "We would like to thank all the composers who submitted entries. We are now looking forward to working on the entries for the Open category of the competition, which will see the panel joined by the highly respected Paul Hindmarsh."

Open competition

4BR was informed that the winner will have their work published by Prima Arts, receive £500 prize money awarded by the Wilfred Heaton Trust and have the piece performed by Foden’s in concert, played at the RNCM Festival of Brass and recorded for a future CD release.

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    


nybbgb

Celebration theme for National Youth Band concert in London

July 9 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be in musical celebration mode for their Summer Concert in London next month.


ai rOBOT

Artists combine with AI to win composition prize

July 9 • AI technology fuses with the 'human essence' to create award winning compositions in global competition.


pRESTOCDS

Presto Music Collection: Six more classic CDs

July 8 • You can continue to build your classic brass collection of CDs with 4BR's partnership with Presto Music.


Youth Fest

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

July 8 • BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented players to fill the following vacancies, in order to strengthen their line up: SOLO CORNETS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: FLUGELHORN. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented . player to fill the following vacancy, in order . to strengthen their line up: SOPRANO CORNET. . We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section . band, with a variety of contests, concerts & . community events annually.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd