*
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    


NYBBNI

4BR Thursday interview with Les Neish

February 19 • We speak to the Besson artist as he prepares to take the baton for the first rehearsal meeting of the National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland.


Linz

Linz European line-ups confirmed

February 18 • 30 bands will take to the stage at the Brucknerhaus in Linz to try and claim the various European titles on offer.


Nationals

New website for National Championships

February 18 • A new website will bring you all you need to know about the National Championships of Great Britain.


John Ward

Ward takes baton for Friary Area challenge

February 18 • John Ward returns to the conducting rostrum in Stevenage to lead former champion Friary Brass in their Area challenge.


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


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) 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.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd