*
banner

Psappha Ensemble offer composer opportunity

The critically acclaimed group will be running four Composing for... schemes this year — offering an ideal opportunity for young composers wishing to look a little further afield with their work.

psappha
  The ensemble has gained widespread critical acclaim for its performances and ethos

Young composers wishing to broaden their horizons away from brass bands can test their talents by applying to become one of 24 writers supported by the critically acclaimed Psappha Ensemble to write for either piano and sitar, or cello and percussion, or flute and harp.

The Psappha Ensemble was founded in 1991 and specialises in the performance of work by living composers and in music of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Opportunities

Its Patron is composer Mark-Anthony Turnage who leads an ethos that supports composers at all stages of their careers, offering a range of opportunities to work with expert musicians as well as a number of online film-based resources including Psappha Kids which supports the music curriculum for 7 to 11 year-olds.

On its website it states that: "Psappha continually seeks to develop new audiences and break fresh ground. Psappha has an extensive and varied repertoire of hundreds of works and a reputation for technical assurance and interpretive flair.

We encourage applications from music creators from different musical genres and we seek to attract applications from candidates that reflect the diverse society in England and the UK."

Two will be solo schemes — for piano and sitar, and two will be a duo scheme — for cello and percussion, and flute and harpPsappha Ensemble

Composing for... schemes

During 2021-22 Psappha will be running four Composing for... schemes. Two will be solo schemes — for piano and sitar, and two will be a duo scheme — for cello and percussion, and flute and harp.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th August 2021 via Psappha's online application system (link to apply is below).

Find out more

The schemes will support and develop 24 composers who are interested in learning more about writing for the instruments included in this year's programme.

To find out more go to: https://www.psappha.com/opportunities/

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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd