*
banner

Weekend interview with Peter Meechan

We catch up with the English composer who has just won the prestigious 2021 Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Competition — awarded by the influential American Bandmasters Association (ABA).

Meechan
  The composer has been enjoying life in Canada since 2013

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

It's the weekend interview on 4BR and we catch up with an old friend in composer Peter Meechan.

He has been living, working and enjoying his personal, musical and sporting life in Winnipeg, and although it's been a few years since he has written for the brass band medium, but he has done notable compositions for the likes of Chris Martin of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and New York Staff Band.

However, it was recently announced that he has won the prestigious 2021 Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Composition Competition — awarded by the influential American Bandmasters Association (ABA).

First presented in 1956, it is one of the two main composition awards in the field of wind band composition — one that comes with a $5,000 prize.

He follows in some impressive footsteps — but on a personal level it means a great deal as his mentor, teacher, and friend Peter Graham won it in 2002 for his composition, 'Harrison's Dream'.

It was won for a piece called 'Perpetua'.

To hear the work go to:
http://meechanmusic.com/music/perpetua/

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    


ConsTest

Result: 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open

April 11 • Derwent Brass claim the honours in the heart of Birmingham with a show of future ambition.


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • 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)

April 12 • 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.


St John's Band (Mossley)

April 12 • WHIT FRIDAY MORNING - all players welcome.. . Experience Whit Friday morning in the Mossley Whit Walks from 9am on 29 May, with food and drink at the Yorkshire Ward after the march.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd