The newly crowned BrassPass.tv 'UK Band of the Year' will be hosting their annual composition final in Cardiff on the weekend.

The Cory Band RWCMD Composition event takes place at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on Sunday 30th June (3.00pm start), with a trio of world premieres of works by finalists Marcus Venables of Canada, Stijn Aertgeerts of Belgium and Mathias Wehr of Germany — all of whom will be in attendance.

Inspirations

The works certainly have very different inspirations.

'Colossus' by Marcus Venables pays tribute to band's past, present and future — culminating is what he says is appropriately 'colossal' ending, whilst 'Hope' by Stijn Aertgeerts evokes a belief in the better things humanity can bring to a troubled world. Meanwhile, 'Hyperdrive' by Mathias Wehr looks way into the future and the possibility of travelling the galaxies at a speed faster than light.

In addition, Cory will also be tested by a brand new work written on the day by a group of teenage composers, thanks to a new initiative to complement the event led by Liz Lane.

Next generation

Speaking to 4BR Cory MD Philip Harper explained that whilst Cory was keen to find the next generation of composers from across the banding world, they were also ensuring they didn't miss out on compositional talent closer to home.

"We've had another great response to the Composition Prize, and our thanks go to Kapitol Promotions for linking up with the band and the college to sponsor the event," he said.

"The standard this year was excellent and we're delighted that the three finalists will join us to hear their pieces played.

What's really great is that Liz will be working with a group of young musicians in a special workshop on the day to create a work for the band to play in the concert — and is only giving us half an hour to rehearse it!"

He added: "We are thrilled to work with composers from all corners of the globe, but we can't ignore the talent that will be right on our doorstep."