'All Magic Comes at a Price' written by composer Charlie Whelan has been announced as the winner of the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition.

It was described by the adjudication panel of Dr Liz Lane, Christian Goodwin (winner of the Best Student Composition or Arrangement at UniBrass 2025) and last year's winner, Lucy Green, as "a fantastic composition" of, "such musical complexity... great theoretical music knowledge, a very strong practical understanding of orchestration for brass band, and a fantastic sense of fun."

Premiere

'All Magic Comes at a Price' will now be workshopped by Charlie, Liz Lane, and Lydbrook Band under conductor Matt Rowe and given a premiere performance by Flowers Band at their Stroud Subscription Rooms concert on 15th February.

The unanimous winner from the composer who works with the Langley Band in the Midlands beat the strong challenge of a trio of fine rival composition by
Roshan Downey ('Journey'), Oliver Beck ('Contemplation') and Matthew Bennett ('HARALD!')

The panel added that they had enjoyed, "a fantastic time listening to the diverse variety, personality, and thoughtful ideas in all the music. The overall quality made a strong impression straight away and it was a joy to get to know the work of these talented composers."

UniBrass Contest

Charlie will now be invited back for CompComp27 as a shadow judge, whilst the 2026 UniBrass Championship 'Best Student Composition or Arrangement' will be announced at the event in Newport on 14th February.