Higgins wins RPS Award
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 recent awards evening held at Queen Elizabeth II Hall at London's Southbank Centre. His ‘love letter to brass bands’ was described as a, “visionary work that unites two great national traditions, unleashing extraordinary lyricism and energy”.
Commenting on social media the day after receiving the award, Gavin was keen to give heartfelt thanks to all those that had helped make this achievement a reality: “I’m so completely humbled and honoured and just all round over the moon! I’ve been overwhelmed with love and messages from so many of you and I will do my best to get back to you all, but it’s just the best feeling to hear from you all, so thank you!
“I do want to say some special thank yous to some special people that made this mad concerto grosso thingy come to life: Firstly to Meurig Bowen who said ‘yes’ when I proposed we get a 30 piece brass band on stage with a full symphony orchestra. Your support from the beginning of my career has just been so important to keep me writing music! The inimitable Lisa Tregale! You lot have no idea how hard Lisa has worked behind the scenes to get this monstrosity on its feet. This piece simply wouldn’t have been written without you shouting with your chest voice! You’re a force of nature, thank you for always being on my side!
“Ryan Bancroft! I can count on one hand the amount of conductors I’ve worked with that not only ’get’ my music but relish performing it. Ryan is always an absolute joy to work with: thorough, precise, deeply musical, his tempos are spot on! I’m in awe. Thank you for programming my stuff, for bringing out the music in my notes, and for being my friend. Your support means more than you know to me. My team at BBC National Orchestra of Wales! During covid I very nearly stopped composing. It just didn’t seem possible to continue doing what I loved doing. My association with you was a game changer and got me back on track. You guys are always so kind and enthusiastic about my music and it’s just an honour and a privilege to get to work you. Long May it continue!
“Ian Porthouse, Iwan Fox, and Tredegar Town Band where do I even start! You lot are not just a band, you’re my family! You have been instrumental in making me the composer I am today. I can’t express how liberating it is to work with real musicians of the highest calibre who never ever complain about anything I’ve written. When something is hard your response is always “we need to work harder”. Thank you for coming on these little musical journeys with me. My heart will always be in Tredegar!
“To James Murphy and everyone at the Royal Philharmonic Society was a very special evening! Thank you for putting on a show! Finally my amazing friends and family who are a constant source of support. You lot never fail me - ever! As some of you know I don’t have a publisher or an agent, so the fact my music gets commissioned and performed at all is entirely down to the support and encouragement of you wonderful people, my family, friends, partner who pick me up, feed me, cheer me on, turn up; you bunch of incredible musicians who perform my music with proper gusto! I never ever take that for granted! Sometimes it can feel very lonely and exhausting trying to keep this machine going, but you lot are the best cheer leaders. I’m 40 in a month and I couldn’t feel more content and happy!”
Adding his congratulations, Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse stated, “Being part of the process and the ultimate world premiere performance of Gavin's work was an incredible honour for the band. We have long recognised his incredible talent, so I think people will understand our pride at him gaining this deserved award. He is one of the most important composers to write for the brass band medium and to be able to project it into a different sphere of musical significance.”
As the evening continued there was more to celebrate when Martyn Brabbins was also announced as 'Conductor of the Year'. The Music Director of English National Opera also worked with Tredegar Band on the critically acclaimed CD release, 'Vaughan Williams on Brass', as well as with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain on its 70th anniversary course and concert. Tredegar Band was also nominated in the 'Inspiration' category, which was voted on by the general public, and was won by the Torbay Symphony Orchestra.
The awards evening was hosted by Radio 3 presenters Hannah French and Petroc Trelawny, with a powerful opening address given by RPS Chairman, John Gilhooly CBE. Live performances were also given by artists including cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. A streamed broadcast of the event will be released on 9th March, whilst BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a special programme on the awards evening on Monday 6th March at 7.00pm.
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