2019 for inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition  

Ursula Jones, the widow of the legendary British trumpet player Philip Jones, will host the inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition in partnership with the Royal Northern College of Music in July 2019. 
The aim of the competition is to bring together young brass quintets to showcase excellence and enterprise in brass chamber music performance, building on the legacy of Philip Jones CBE (1928-2000). It is hoped that it will provide a platform for a new generation of brass players, who will benefit from the competition and peer-learning. 

Several prominent music festivals and venues have expressed interest in the outcome of the competition, which will feature three major prizes; The Philip Jones Prize (£10,000), The Marah Mahlowe Prize (£7,500) and The Founder's Prize (£5,000). 

The inaugural competition of 2019 will be for brass quintet (two trumpets, one horn, trombone, tuba) and will be eligible for players aged between 16 and 30. The average age of any group at 20th July 2019 should not be more than 28 years. 

The international jury will comprise five members (two trumpets, one horn, trombone and tuba) with special expertise in this field, led by the jury Chair, Reinhold Friedrich. 

Applications for the competition should be received in summer 2018, and it is anticipated that 16 groups will be chosen to come to Manchester. Selection will be from submitted video-recordings, based on the criteria of musical qualities, enterprise and presentation. 

Full details of the competition including information about the jury, application procedures and timelines, competition regulations and details of required repertoire at the various stages of the competition can be found at http:/­/­pjbe.org/ 

Professor John Miller of the RNCM, stated: "This will be the first major competition of its kind held in the UK, which I hope will stimulate interest and participation from outstanding young brass players across the world". 
 
For more news, features, articles and reviews, subscribe to BBW Digital. Alternatively, subscribe to the printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World)