It has been announced that due to the current Coronavirus pandemic which has severely affected the university and higher education sector, the 2021 UniBrass Championships, due to be held at the University of Sheffield on the 6th February have been cancelled.

Later date

It is the first time the event, which was started in 2011 and grown into one of the most popular weekends of competitive music making in the UK banding calendar, has had to be cancelled, although it is hoped that a date later in the year can now be secured.

Since its inception UniBrass has become a driving force in the creation of 10 university bands — leading to a welcome increase of exciting new repertoire and proving ground for emerging players and conductors alike.

As well as the contest, the UniBrass Foundation provides advice to university ensembles, supports carolling events, has hosted a student conductors course, organised summer music events, and is looking forward to future artistic development activities.

Statement

In a statement issued by Voirrey Baker, Chair of the UniBrass Organising Committee, it was made clear that the decision took fully into account the current restrictions that have been imposed in the higher education sector.

The statement added: "These restrictions, along with the current uncertainty associated with the second-wave of the pandemic, have forced the UniBrass Organising Committee and Foundation trustees to make the decision that it would not be fair or feasible to hold the contest in February.

The intention is to reschedule the contest for a date towards the end of the academic year, in the summer (such as June time).

The rescheduled contest will still be held at the University of Sheffield, but the date is not yet determined as the Organising Committee are asking each of the bands to provide their university term and exam dates in order to find a date that suits as many bands as possible."

The rescheduled contest will still be held at the University of Sheffield, but the date is not yet determinedUniBrass

Special project

They added: "We are also investigating the possibilities of a special project for release on the original contest date, more details on which will be released in due course."

Further details will be made available at www.unibrass.co.uk/2021 or social media accounts @unibrass