In an exclusive announcement, 4BR has been informed that the world renowned composer Michael Nyman has revealed that he would love to write a test piece work for one of the movement's major contests — and in the immediate future too.

Open or National

Talking to 4BR, the composer's representative Nigel Barr confirmed that following his recent association with the banding world through the release of his 'Nyman Brass' recording with Wingates Band, the composer is keen to write a substantial work for brass, with the hope that it could be used at either the National or British Open Championships.

...he feels that he would love to write a substantial work for the medium and for it to be considered for one of the major brass band championshipsMichael Nyman's agent, Nigel Barr

Love to write

"Michael finds the medium of great interest to him and was bowled over by the way in which his music transcribed for brass especially on the Wingates 'Nyman Brass' release."

Nigel added: "This has really whetted his appetite to write more and with a number of projects already in the pipeline he feels that he would love to write a substantial work for the medium and for it to be considered for one of the major brass band championships."

Aware

Nigel confirmed that the composer is fully aware of both the restrictions and opportunities such a composition would bring.

"Michael has a keen interest in the brass band repertoire and is fully aware of the needs and expectations of a test piece composition. He finds it both intriguing and exciting and has made it very clear that he would love to write a test piece work."

Time Scales

With time scales and windows of opportunity scarce for a composer of such international reputation the amazing news is that the composer feels he could have something perhaps ready in as little as two years time.

"Michael has an exceptionally full schedule as you can imagine, but when he puts his mind to it he will always find room. He has indicated that if the opportunity can arise the timescale involved could be within the next two years."

Nyman Festival

Meanwhile the composer and his new works for brass played by the Wingates Band will form part of a high profile event to take place at London's Cadogan Hall on June 7th this year as part of a 3 day Nyman Festival from June 6th – 8th.

Wingates input

The concert of Nyman music will feature a number of his most important works as well as new compositions for his Nyman Band. Wingates will perform a number of items from the first 'Nyman Brass' release as well as a brand new composition.

The new pieces will form the basis of a second 'Nyman Brass' CD release due to be recorded later in 2008 or early 2009.

High profile event

Nigel told 4BR: "The concert really is a high profile event for Michael's music. There is a huge demand to hear his compositions and we are sure it will be a huge success. Wingates will from an integral part of the Festival and will perform a number of new arrangements and a new piece from Michael's pen."