Conducting competition test pieces announced | Brass Bands England

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Conducting competition test pieces announced

Edward Gregson
Thursday, 4 May, 2023

The Brass Band Conductors’ Association (BBCA) has announced the contest pieces that will be used to test the musical interpretation and baton dexterity of the 12 competition semi-finalists on 17 June at Eccles Town Hall.

The semi-finalists will have the opportunity to rehearse the championship Hammonds Band on a section of one of the following challenging test pieces:

The World Rejoicing’ by Edward Gregson and ‘Sounds’ by the late John Golland.

Receiving the news Edward Gregson commented “I’m very pleased that the Brass Band Conductors’ Association has chosen ‘The World Rejoicing’ as one of its test pieces for aspiring conductors. It is a demanding work in many ways for the conductor, not least in trying to delineate the textures and contrapuntal lines. An acquaintance with other symphonic variation forms (e.g. in the orchestral repertoire) will also help the would-be conductor to achieve an overall structural coherence. I wish them all the best in their endeavours”.

The adjudicators will select 6 finalists to go on to rehearse and conduct the Eccles Borough Band in a concert item to be performed in the first half of the evening’s Gala Concert.  BBCA President Russell Gray will conduct Eccles in the second half of the concert prior to the announcement of the winners.

Attend the Gala Concert

Join us to watch the competition unfold during the day or come to the free Gala Concert commencing at 7.30pm.

Find out more or email bbca@bbe.org.uk to ask a question.