*
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    


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


gLYN AND hLEN

Busy January enjoyment for Williams duo

February 4 • Glyn and Helen Williams have enjoyed a busy start to 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


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


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd