*
banner

Swiss composer masterclass to be led by Waespi

The composer Oliver Waespi will be leading a composer masterclass at Berne University of the Arts later this year — with applications to be part of it now open.

Oliver Waespi
  The composer masterclass will be led by Oliver Waespi

It has been announced that Berne University of the Arts is organising a Masterclass in Composition & Conducting for Brass Band later this year.

The open Composition Masterclass will be led by Swiss composer Oliver Waespi with Belgian conductor Ivan Meylemans leading the Conducting Masterclass for students at the university. The course will run from 31st August to 4th September.

New works

New works for brass band and chamber groups will be composed, work-shopped and performed live. The works will be presented by the Swiss Army Brass Band led by Philipp Werlen.

4BR was informed that the composer masterclass is aimed at more advanced participants, although there aren't any particular study degree requirements. The course will be organized by Rolf Schumacher, Professor of Wind Ensemble Conducting.

Concert music

Speaking to 4BR, Oliver Waespi said: "The participants are expected to compose new works of between 5 to 8 minutes which haven't been publicly performed yet.

Whilst there aren't any stylistic or aesthetic boundaries, the masterclass is aimed at concert music, not purely entertainment music."

Whilst there aren't any stylistic or aesthetic boundaries, the masterclass is aimed at concert music, not purely entertainment musicOliver Waespi

Apply

Composers are invited to apply, with a closing date of 31st July 2020, by submitting existing works in the form of scores and possibly recordings, as well as project ideas and/or sketches for a new work and a résumé of past activities and education (CV)

These should be sent to: oliver.waespi@hkb.bfh.ch
or in printed form to:
Oliver Waespi,
Hochschule der Künste Bern,
Ostermundigenstrasse 103,
CH — 3006 Berne,
Switzerland.

Up to 8 candidates will be chosen to take part. The fee for the masterclass is 300 CHF, accommodation, transport and food being at the expense of the participants. The HKB can provide information about affordable accommodation in Berne.

Further information:

Further information will be made available at: www.hkb-musik.ch , https://www.hkb-musik.ch/fileadmin/Content/Images/Klassik/Blasmusik/HKB.Studienwoche_Dirigieren_Blasmusik_2020_-_Medienmitteilung_de.pdf

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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


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


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd