The much-awaited results of the BrookWright International Brass Band Composer Competition 2022 (IBBCC) have been announced. Receiving the Overall Prize, awarded by the judges James Curnow, Dr. Liz Lane and Paul Hindmarsh, is British composer Christopher Cook. His work ‘Excursion’ was unanimously decided as the winner by the judges. Christopher wins $500 US cash, a license to the programme NotePerformer and publication of his work through BrookWright Music, with the piece being recorded by North American First Section Champions Dallas Brass Band.

Winning the Public Commendation Prize, which was voted for by viewers, was French composer Thibaut Brunaux, whose work ‘Summer Vibes’ proved particularly popular. Thibaut wins $150 in cash.

The competition received a remarkable 64 entries from around the world, representing ten different countries. Follow-the-score videos for each of the five finalists can be viewed at:

PIECE A - Summer Vibes (Thibaut Bruniaux)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y6zWri_v0Y

PIECE B - Merengue Madness (Allen Molineux)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4i_r7WjYjQ

PIECE C - Excursion (Christopher Cook)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ldfPARVSo

PIECE D - Soul Winner (Anders Beijer)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7tLh77ynV4

PIECE E - Humble Hero (Fendall Hill)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMhzFAHoJ0s

Speaking about the contest, Dr. Liz Lane commented: ‘As in previous years, the standard of entries was high and very diverse. The winning entry, Excursion by Christopher Cook stood out for a number of reasons including its strong use of thematic material, competent orchestration, suitability for a first section band (as stipulated in the entry requirements) and a highly intriguing ending. Congratulations to Christopher and I look forward to hopefully hearing this live in the future.’

Paul Hindmarsh explained, ‘I was very impressed with the quality of the entries. It was encouraging to be tasked with ranking so many pieces which demonstrated an understanding of the band medium. At the top of the ranking are two pieces which reveal in contrasting ways how to release the distinctive tonal range and energy of the brass band. Thibaut Bruniaux’s Summer Vibes is brilliantly scored and would make a great concert opener for any able band. Christopher Cook’s Excursion is imaginative, colourful, and thoroughly engaging with a surprising ending that clinched the top spot for me. It will receive a world premiere at the 2023 RNCM Brass Band Festival.’

Summing up the contest, James Curnow commented, ‘Once again the International Brass Band Composer Competition proves to serve as a means to finding new brass band composer talent. The vast amount of submissions indicates a truly talented field of interested composers in this now well established composition competition, organised by Andrew

Wainwright and BrookWright Music. It was certainly a pleasure to be able to serve as one of the adjudicators for this well organized and executed event.’

BrookWright’s owner Andrew Wainwright concluded by saying, ‘I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to our competition winners Christopher Cook and Thibaut Bruniaux, and also our other finalists, Anders Beijer, Fendall Hill and Allen Molineux. In addition, well done to all the composers and arrangers who submitted such a wide range of fine entries! I would like to sincerely thank our judges, James Curnow, Dr Liz Lane and Paul Hindmarsh for all their work in adjudicating the competition. Last but not least, I would like to recognise our sponsors for the competition, without whom the initiative wouldn’t have been possible – Christopher Bond Music, David Daws Financial Services Ltd., Besson, John Lawes, NotePerformer, room4groups, Stratos and World of Brass.’