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Finding the next generation of brass band composers

Brass Bands England will host the important discussion at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival.

RNCM
  Where do we find the next Harrison Birtwistle?

Brass Bands England will play their part at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival by hosting a discussion forum on Sunday afternoon in the Carole Nash Room (4.45pm).

New composers

The topic for exploration hosted by CEO Kenny Crookston is how we can persuade, encourage and promote a new generation of composers for the brass band medium — writers who can broaden the scope and understanding of our music to existing audiences as well as new ones.

Panel

The panel will consist of Paul Hindmarsh, the former Artistic Director of the RNCM Festival and author of the eagerly awaited biography of composer Wilfred Heaton; Chris Thomas, brass band journalist and 2025/2026 Chairperson of the Leamington Music Festival, which this year celebrates the music of Sir Arthur Bliss, and British Composer Award winner, educator and animateur, Lucy Pankhurst.

Admission to the discussion is free (with ticket), but there are only limited places.

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Jack Capstaff

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