*
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    


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.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.


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


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


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd