*
banner

Derwent to showcase composer trio in search of award

Three talented composers will have their works put under the performance microscope to claim the inaugural Derwent Brass International Composition Award.

Derwent
  The three finalists have been announced

The inaugural Derwent Brass International Composition Award (DBICA) has announced its trio of finalists.

The competition attracted over 30 entries from across the world and following a comprehensive review of each by the band's Music Leadership Team, a longlist of six works was identified before being brought down to a final three following a series of rehearsals.

Finalists

They are 'Capriccio Mancunio' by Tim Jackson; 'New Beginnings' by Becky Lund and, 'The Hacienda' by Aaron Breeze.

Speaking about the competition, Music Director Jack Capstaff told 4BR: "I could not be more delighted by the number and calibre of entries we received.

We extend our sincere congratulations to all entrants for some truly engaging writing and are now keen to get into the detail of the finalist works ahead of our recording session in July from which we will find our victor.

It has been a remarkable international response to our call for innovative new brass music."

It has been a remarkable international response to our call for innovative new brass musicDerwent Brass Music Director Jack Capstaff

Recorded and announced

The works will be recorded on July 27th by KMJ Recordings and shared with the judging panellists before agreeing and announcing the winner on August 18th.

The panel consists of Jack Capstaff, Paul Hindmarsh, Paul McGhee and Matthew Eden. The winner will receive £1000 cash prize, formal publishing of their work and world premiere live performance, with recordings presented to all finalists.

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    


bbss

Free workshops for youngsters at Brass Band Summer School

July 9 • There will be a free Youth Brass Workshop at Wycliffe College as part of the 40th anniversary BBSS on 6th August. So need to be quick to book a place...


Kerkrade

Live stream action from World Music Contest

July 9 • You can enjoy all the brass band contests at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade this weekend.


Mead and Agnew

Mead adds test match credentials to tutoring

July 9 • Steven Mead met up with cricket broadcaster and test match cricketer Jonathan Agnew to give him a euphonium lesson.


NXTOD

More demand for NXTOD

July 9 • You can enjoy a great mini documentary from the recent Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune contest and sign up for more live brass banding.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Emley Brass Band

July 7 • Emley Brass Band are looking for a Soprano Cornet to join their team. We are a growing 1st section band who came 6th in our first areas in the 1st section. We do a mix of concerts and contests throughout the year. Rehearsing Mon and Weds 8-10pm.


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd