*
banner

Higgins inspired by Black Sun and Monstrous Child for new premieres

Award winning composer Gavin Higgins has taken inspiration from art and opera for his latest forthcoming world premieres.

Gavin Higgins
  The work for the Bone-afide trombone quartet is inspired by Damien Hirst's iconic work

Composer Gavin Higgins will enjoy two high profile world premieres over the next couple of months which he has told 4BR that he is really looking forward to.

Bone-afide

The first is a new composition created for the Bone-afide trombone quartet entitled 'Black Sun', a four movement work which will receive its premiere at their Regent Hall Concert in London on Saturday 16th November.

National Orchestra of Wales

The second is 'A Monstrous Little Suite' an orchestral work arranged from his score to the critically acclaimed opera written in collaboration with novelist and librettist Francesca Simon which itself was premiered at the Royal Opera House in 2019.

It will be premiered by the National Orchestra of Wales under conductor Ryan Bancroft in Cardiff and Swansea over the weekend of the 14th&15th February 2025, as part of a programme that will also include Shostakovich's 'Sixth Symphony' and trumpet star Hakan Hardenberger performing the Mieczslaw Weinberg 'Trumpet Concerto'.

As for the 'A Monstrous Little Suite'? A slippery birth, a giant's lullaby, a fight between a huge wolf and snake, a Disney love scene, and the end of the world all in 20 mins!Gavin Higgins

World class artists

"It's wonderful to be able to hear not one but two world premieres performed by world class artists,"Gavin said.

"'Black Sun' is inspired by four memorable pieces of art each depicting a very different image of the sun — from classic Monet and Turner to Olaf Eliason's remarkable Weather Project that was at the Tate Modern and Damien Hirst's work which is made up of thousands of dead flies."

Slippery birth to the end of the world in 20 mins

He added: "It's been brilliant being able to work with Bone-afide — a real delight with their artistic outlook, which really is fearless and imaginative.

As for the 'A Monstrous Little Suite'? A slippery birth, a giant's lullaby, a fight between a huge wolf and snake, a Disney love scene, and the end of the world all in 20 mins! It's lots of fun!"

Details of tickets for both events will be announced in due course.

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    


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


Elgar International Festival

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire set to welcome Elgar International Festival of Brass

February 28 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke Band, Flowers, Foden's and David Childs headline the musical attractions for a day of the very best brass band music making in June.


First Old Boys

Youth fly musical flag for Old Boys

February 28 • A trio of talented young players from 1st Old Boys Band will be making their mark with different representative ensembles later this year.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Newmarket Town Band

February 27 • Newmarket Town Band is inviting applications for the post of 'Musical Director'. We are a non-contesting band who play to a high standard with regular bookings throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30pm


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd