Page 42 - RPS Awards 2023 Coverage Book

Gavin Higgins' 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra' — premiered at
the 2022 BBC Proms by Tredegar Band and the National Orchestra of Wales
under conductor Ryan Bancroft, has won one of the most prestigious awards in
UK classical music.

The Forest of Dean composer was presented with the 2023 Royal Philharmonic

Society Award for 'Best Large-Scale Composition' at its awards evening held at
Queen Elizabeth II Hall at London's Southbank Centre.

The category included works by composers George Lewis ('Minds in Flux'), Joe
Cutler ('Concerto Grosso') and Rebecca Saunders ('To an Utterance') and was
supported by the Boltini Trust.

Visionary work

His "love letter to brass bands" was described as a "visionary work that unites
two great national traditions, unleashing extraordinary lyricism and energy".

It was chosen to celebrate the criteria as "an imaginative and engaging large-
scale work receiving its first UK performance, presented for a live audience or
digitally", by an independent panel.

It included composers Alexander Campkin, Samantha Fernando and David
Horne, Heather Duncan, Head of Concerts and Artistic Planning at the
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and RPS Executive Director, Natalia
Franklin Pierce.

'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra' received widespread critical

acclaim following its Proms world premiere, with critic Andrew Clements of 'The
Guardian' saying it was "superbly worked out, not only showcasing the
brilliance of the Tredegar players, but also satisfyingly working through the
large-scale scheme with vivid ideas".

Brilliance

The announcement was greeted with cheers in the auditorium, before Gavin
gave a heartfelt acceptance speech that spoke of his belief in the "brilliance of
brass bands, what they do, why and how" — as well as how they have an
inclusive ethos in offering free music making for youngsters.