Page 13 - RPS Awards 2023 Coverage Book

Gavin Higgins' 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra', has been
nominated for a 2023 Royal Philharmonic Society Award.

The work received its world premiere at the 2022 BBC Proms performed by
Tredegar Band and the National Orchestra of Wales under conductor Ryan
Bancroft and immediately gained widespread critical acclaim.

Outstandingly imaginative and engaging

It has been nominated in the 'Large-Scale Composition' category for works
regarded as being "outstandingly imaginative and engaging". It will battle for
the Blue Riband honour alongside works from the other nominated composers,

George Lewis, Joe Cutler and Rebecca Saunders.

The RPS Awards are regarded as 'the BAFTA's of classical music' with this year's

nominations reflecting what they state was "the far reaching and resounding
impact that classical music has nationally".

Past winners of the 'Large-Scale Composition' category include composers
Oliveier Messiaen, Witould Lutoslawski, Peter Maxwell Davies, Mark Anthony
Turnage,Rebecca Saunders, George Benjamin, Thomas Ades and Harrison
Birtwistle.

Wonderful honour

Speaking to 4BR this morning Gavin, who is Composer in Association with the
National Orchestra of Wales, said: "It's wonderful honour to be nominated for
what are regarded as the leading classical music awards in the UK and beyond.

Since that memorable world premiere the work has been hailed as a
breakthrough moment for the brass band movement — and one that I hope can
be built on for in the future."

He added: "I'm so very, very happy of course. There are so many people to thank

but it couldn't have been made possible without the determination of Lisa
Tregale, Director of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the orchestra itself,
the amazing Ryan Bancroft and the quite incredible Tredegar Band and Ian
Porthouse.