*
banner

4BR Monday Interview with Fran Matthews

4BR talks to the Director of Awards at the Ivors Academy to find out more behind the categories and eligibility for nominations for this year — and how it will include works from brass band composers.

Ivors
  Fran Matthews is the Director of Awards at the Ivors Academy

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Fran Matthews on the day that the Ivors Academy has announced the criteria, eligibility and categories available for its 2021 Composer Awards.

Fran explains that Covid-19 has understandably played a huge part in deciding how the awards could be organised and administered this year — including the reason why there is no specific 'Wind and Brass Band' category once more.

Tailored response

However, she also revealed that the decision was taken to try and accommodate the widest possible response — with the categories having the flexibility to be tailored to create specific awards — including that for brass bands if enough works of quality and variety are entered.

To find out more about the 2021 awards and how a composer can be nominated for a work, go to: www.ivorsacademy.com

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    


Gareth Ritter

Former conductor sentenced for sexually assaulting 17 year old girl

November 4 • Gareth Ritter has been given a 33-month sentence, suspended for 30 months for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in 2015. He will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.


Brabbins

Childs and Brabbins to showcase Mealor Concerto

November 3 • Paul Mealor's 'Euphonium Concerto' is to be performed this Friday in Swansea by David Childs under the baton of Martyn Brabbins with the National Orchestra of Wales.


Maurice Andre

Saunas and butter — what made Andre the giant so great...

November 3 • If you ever wondered what the secret of Maurice Andre's success was — then an article from 1987 revealed all about his morning practice regime...


Prof Childs

Childs enjoys latest Japanese trip

November 3 • Black Dyke Band's Director of Music has just returned from his latest musical trip to Japan.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Tintwistle Band

November 4 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band, we rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom, under the baton of our new MD Tom Haslam.


CROFTON SILVER BAND

November 4 • Crofton Silver (Yorks) are seeking Percussion players to join our friendly, enthusiastic 1st section band under our new ambitious MD, David Stokes. Practices are Thurs 8-10pm (also Monday during contest season), at Crofton WMC, WF4 1HJ. . Contact:. P


CROFTON SILVER BAND

November 4 • Crofton Silver (Yorks) are seeking Euphonium/Baritone players to join our friendly, enthusiastic 1st section band under our new ambitious MD, David Stokes. Practices are Thurs 8-10pm (also Monday during contest season), at Crofton WMC, WF4 1HJ. .


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd