*
banner

A4 Quartet seek one small step...?

If you are a composer inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, Queen Victoria, Mahatma Gandi or the even the moon landings then you need to get writing for the A4 Brass Quartet...

mOON
  From the moon landings to Leonardo da Vinci — landmark inspiration id what the A4 Quartet is looking for...

Entries have already started to come in for the second annual A4 Brass Quartet Composition Competition.

The multi-award winning ensemble recently accepted the role of Honorary Artists in Association at the Royal Northern College of Music, where the group was founded.

Landmark inspiration

This year the group is looking for a concert work inspired by one of the following landmark events which will be taking place in 2019:

500 years since death of Leonardo da Vinci
200 years since birth of Queen Victoria
150 years since birth of Mahatma Gandhi
50th anniversary of the moon landing

Rules:

The brief for the compositions is very free, but the following must apply to each entry:

Compositions must be of 4-8 minutes in duration

Works must never have been performed before

Instrumentation of: Bb Cornet (doubling Flugel), Tenor Horn in Eb, Baritone Horn in Bb (treble clef) and Euphonium in Bb (treble clef)

Mutes are available if required for all instruments

Anonymous scores are NOT required

Please consider presentation, practicality and suitability for concert performance for the entry!

The multi-award winning ensemble recently accepted the role of Honorary Artists in Association at the Royal Northern College of Music, where the group was founded4BR

Prizes:

Once again the group offers a generous prize fund, and also aim to encourage a new generation of student composers with a special Under 24 award (if both 1st and 2nd prize fall into this category, the next highest U24 entry will receive this award).

1st Prize: £400, a professional recording and regular performances on the quartet's concert series in 2019/2020.

2nd Prize: £150, a professional recording and regular performances on the quartet's concert series in 2019/2020.

Under 24 Prize: £100 and a professional recording of the work.

How to enter:

Scores can be submitted as either a Sibelius 7 (or earlier) file OR as PDF files accompanied by an mp3/m4a file, and need to be emailed to a4brassquartet@hotmail.co.uk with 'A4 COMPOSITION' in the subject line.

The closing date for entries is Friday 8th March 2019, with award winners being announced and notified in early April.

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    


EBBA Linz

Austrian celebration to be showcased at EBBC Gala Concert

January 13 • An unforgettable celebration of Austrian music is promised at the Gala Concert of the European Brass Band Championships in Linz later this year.


David Morton

Morton set to link with Sandefjord

January 13 • David Morton is set to become Musical Director of Sandefjord Brass Symposium in Autumn 2026.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

January 13 • More great music to enjoy from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd