*
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    


bbe

Progress and challenges reported at BBE AGM

February 16 • The recent Annual General Meeting of Brass Bands England saw reports of consolidation and progress as well as resetting and rebuilding.


Castell Beaumaris

Wright & Round: Castell Beaumaris (Andy Wareham)

February 16 • A new homage addition to the iconic castle marches of the great T.J. Powell from the pen of Andy Wareham.


Italian Brass BAND

New conducting talent supported in Rome

February 16 • The Italian Brass Band continues to help support its emerging brass band culture with its masterclass conducting series.


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


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

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


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd