Edward Gregson nominated for British Composer Award

One of the most influential writers for the brass band medium has been nominated for a British Composer Award for his work, 'Four Etudes'.

Edward Gregson has been nominated in the Wind Band or Brass Band category.

Edward Gregson has been nominated for a 2017 British Composer Award.

His composition, 'Four Etudes', commissioned by Black Dyke Band and premiered at the RNCM Festival of Brass earlier this year, is featured in the Wind Band or Brass Band category alongside works by Joseph Davies and Kenneth Hesketh.

Second time

It is the second time the internationally renowned former Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, and one of the most influential composers for the brass band medium has been nominated, following his 'Symphony in Two Movements' in 2013.

In total 30 UK born or UK resident composers are nominated in various categories, with a shortlist that features works as diverse as societal perceptions of women through the metaphor of birds to the refugee crisis with quotes from the US President Donald Trump.

Four Etudes

Edward Gregson's 'Four Etudes' — 'Canticle', 'Dance', 'Excentrique' and 'Aleppo' explores elements of timbre, rhythm, texture and colour.

The first three études (or studies) are based on a set of piano pieces he composed in 1982, whilst the last, is a deeply emotive, personal reflection of the human tragedy that was unfolding in the city of Aleppo at the time it was written, ending with the smallest glimmer of hope for the future of humanity despite the terrible barbarism it evokes.

Wonderful year

Speaking to 4BR today, Edward Gregson said: "I'm delighted of course, especially as the work rounded off a wonderful year as Composer in Association with Black Dyke in 2016.

It was the last piece I worked on with Prof Nicholas Childs and the band during that time and they also gave a quite wonderful premiere at the RNCM Brass Band Festival in January. My heartfelt thanks therefore go to Prof Childs and the players."

I'm delighted of course, especially as the work rounded off a wonderful year as Composer in Association with Black Dyke in 2016Edward Gregson

Nominees

'Anemoi' by Welsh composer Joseph Davies was premiered by the National Wind Orchestra of Wales in April 2016, whilst Kenneth Hesketh's 'In Ictu Oculi' — Three Meditations for Wind Orchestra was premiered by the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Great Britain at the Royal College of Music in the same month.

The winners of each category will be announced at a special awards ceremony held at the British Museum in London on Wednesday 6th December.