*
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    


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd