*
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    


lINZ

European to offer full programme of attractions

April 14 • A celebration of youth, excellence, and musical diversity underpins the forthcoming European Championships in Linz — from competitions, concert and educators.


next

On demand service replays ConsTest action

April 14 • You can enjoy all the action from the recent ConsTest Birmingham Open and sign up not to miss the action at Fleetwood.


Brisbane Excelsior

Brisbane enjoy plaudits after National success

April 14 • Brisbane Excelsior Band has been congratulated by worldwide supporters following their victory at the recent Australian National Championships.


ECWO

Wind Orchestras prepare for their European Championships in Germany

April 14 • It will not only be brass bands battling for European honours this year.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


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


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd