European champion Black Dyke has announced that through a three-year initiative funded by Arts Council England, Edward Gregson has accepted the role of 'Composer in Residence' for 2016.

Cornet Concerto

Professor Gregson is well known to the Queensbury band, having begun an association in 1971 with the premiere of his 'Horn Concerto'. Other distinguished compositions have followed, with his forthcoming 'Cornet Concerto' to be written for principal cornet Richard Marshall. It was also revealed that he will also mentor a young and developing composer as part of his role.

Delighted

He told 4BR: "I'm delighted to celebrate my long-standing relationship with Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke Band by taking on the position of Composer in Residence.

In 2012 the band co-commissioned my most recent brass band work, 'Of Distant Memories', and the new commission to write a 'Cornet Concerto' for Richard Marshall, undoubtedly one of the finest cornet soloists in the world, is a challenge I look forward to undertaking."

Significant

Director of Music, Professor Nicholas Childs added: "Richard will be the featured soloist in this significant new work — a fitting acknowledgement of his terrific contribution as principal cornet for the past decade at Black Dyke."

I'm delighted to celebrate my long-standing relationship with Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke Band by taking on the position of Composer in ResidenceEdward Gregson

Premieres

The world premiere will take place at the European Championship Gala Concert in Lille in May, with the UK premiere part of the Black Dyke Festival on 5th June.

This new initiative is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.