A unique collaboration between five European partners will see Edward Gregson write a major new work to be used for the 2020 British Open, Netherlands, Belgian and Swiss National Championships, as well as the 2021 Norwegian National Championship.

The composition will mark a fitting tribute to the composer who will celebrate his 75th birthday in July 2020, and who has provided the brass band movement with a series of iconic works since 'Connotations' was used at the 1977 National Championships of Great Britain.

The yet unnamed piece will be given its world premiere at the 2020 British Open, followed in turn by premieres as the Championship Section set-test at each country's National Championship.

The five countries will have exclusive rights to it until its general publication in March 2021.

Delighted

Speaking exclusively to 4BR, Edward Gregson said that he was delighted that the commission had been realised in such a collective manner.

"I'm very grateful to Jappie Dijkstra for coordinating the project so effectively — no easy matter for something of this magnitude.

He first mentioned the idea to me some years back, and it obviously hasn't been easy to bring five countries together like this; but I appreciate the enthusiasm of all those involved in wanting to be part of this consortium.

I am a European at heart — always have been (thus you can imagine what I feel about Brexit!) and my musical travels have taken me regularly to all four of the mainland European countries involved in this project.

'Of Men and Mountains' was of course commissioned in the Netherlands and Belgium and Swiss and Norwegian banding has always championed my works."

British Open

He added: "I'm especially pleased that that Martin and Karyn Mortimer so much wanted to take a major role in this commission and that the world premiere will take place at the British Open. The last work of mine there was 'Rococo Variations' in 2008.

It will be musically and technically challenging of course, but as I have said before, I don't think of it as a 'test piece', only as a piece of music, something that might stand the test of time."

A spokesperson for the British Open told 4BR: "We are delighted to be able to be part of this European-wide process to engage once more with a composer of true international status.

Edward Gregson has a close musical affinity with the British Open, and this will be the third time one of his major compositions has been used."

This form of collaboration has to be the future if brass bands are going to survive and be part of a thriving international musical community that has world class composers writing for itEdward Gregson

New solutions

Speaking in broader terms, Edward Gregson also believes that a European-wide collaborative process will enable brass bands to engage both with other major composers as well as attract a much more diverse musical audience.

He added: "We need new solutions to keep attracting new audiences, especially a younger generation to hear and appreciate brass band music.

This form of collaboration has to be the future if brass bands are going to survive and be part of a thriving international musical community that has world class composers writing for it.

Over the year the RNCM Festival of Brass has also been a shining example of what can be done in this regard, and I hope this collaboration process will play its part too."