SBBA commission in contention for award

THE set work for the 2014 European Brass Band Championships, held in Scotland, has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Muckle Flugga, by Rory Boyle, has made the shortlist for the 2015 British Composer Awards under the brass and wind band category. A commission by the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA), the piece was performed by competing bands in Perth Concert Hall in 2014.

The awards are presented by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).The shortlist features 33 composers across 12 categories including contemporary jazz composition, choral, sonic art, liturgical and community or educational project, with 40 per cent of those shortlisted being first-time nominees.

Highlighting the diversity and innovation that defines today's musical landscape, the 36 shortlisted works span a choral piece composed to the rhythm of skateboarders; collaborations across the creative arts; a science fiction opera; music inspired by poetry, painting and photography, as well as by history's greatest composers and mythology; and work marking the First World War Centenary.

The winners in each category will be announced at the British Film Institute (BFI) on Wednesday, December 9, 2015. BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a programme dedicated to the ceremony on Hear and Now at 10pm on Saturday, December 12.

Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3, commented: "The UK's contemporary music scene is thrilling. This shortlist shows what a remarkable year it has been. As the most significant commissioner of new music, BBC Radio 3 is dedicated to bringing our millions of listeners the very latest high quality contemporary composition.

"We wish the shortlisted composers the very best of luck and look forward to broadcasting the awards on Radio 3's Hear and Now in December."