Derwent Brass has rounded off a fine year of artistic achievement by being nominated for the 2024 Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) 'Inspiration Award'.

Regarded by many as the BAFTAs for classical music, the RPS Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups, and initiatives, with the eventual winner of the 'Inspiration Award' supported by Warner Classics in 2021, is decided through a public vote.

The band follows in the footsteps of Welsh champion Tredegar who were nominated in the 2023 Inspiration category.

Short list

There are four short-listed nominees, which alongside Derwent include Glasgow Madrigirls, Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and The Sunday Boys are recognised for their "remarkable achievements"as non-professional musical ensembles or individuals to the year ending August 2023.

2022 saw Derwent Brass celebrate its 30th anniversary with a trilogy of special events, the finale of which was a hugely successful astronomy themed 'Under the Stars' themed concert which saw them perform Holst's 'The Planets' augmented by harp, organ, celeste and chorus.

The band's sustainability commitment also saw them claiming a Making Music 'Green Award' in 2023. In addition, their adventurous musical outlook also saw them become the became the inaugural winners of the Brass Bands England 'Innovation Award'. 2024 will see them link up with classical singer Russell Watson.

Artistic ambitions

Speaking about the nomination, Chairman, Graham Johnson told 4BR: "This is a wonderful way to recognise the continual artistic ambitions of the band and its achievements which saw us continue to expand our audience profile.

To be nominated out of thousands of musical groups across the country is truly staggering and we hope that we can now yield support from across the brass band movement."

To be nominated out of thousands of musical groups across the country is truly staggering and we hope that we can now yield support from across the brass band movementDerwent Brass

Unique dynamic

Derwent Brass Associate Composer, Matthew Eden, added: "Derwent Brass create a unique dynamic, stretching both in ambition and art form. I could not be prouder to see their pioneering approach to brass banding and sustainability receive this recognition."

Voting

Voting is now open at: https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/awards/rps_music_awards/inspirationaward

Voting closes on Friday 2nd February