*
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    


wobplay

New ownership announced for World of Brass, Wobplay and World of Sound

July 1 • The trio of leading brass band music brands have been bought as an independent business by Adam Goldsmith and Nicki Tonge.


Spring Festival

Venues and dates for 2027 & 2028 Spring Festival announced

July 1 • Town Hall Birmingham and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will host the 2027 and 2028 British Open Spring Festival contests as long term plans are put in place following feedback.


Cory

Cory set for Tibetan title challenge in Kerkrade

June 30 • The Welsh champion will head to the World Music Contest armed with a third adventure of Tintin courtesy of the pseudonym inspired Paul Raphael.


Score

Kapitol looking for York judges...

June 30 • Kapitol Promotions and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are looking for people to start their judging journey in York in September.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

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


Cross Keys Silver Band

July 2 • Solo Euphonium - With an array of concerts, contests and community engagements lined up for the remainder of 2026, we're looking to fill our Solo Euphonium seat. If you're the strong player that we're interested in, please get in touch.


Cross Keys Silver Band

July 2 • Solo Horn - We're looking to recruit a new Solo Horn player to help shape the section in our 2nd section band in South Wales. We have an array of concerts, contests and community engagements lined up for the remainder of 2026.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd