The Brass Band Conductors’ Association was delighted to see an increase in the numbers entering its annual flagship conducting competition. After a first round of video shortlisting the twelve successful candidates to make it through to the live semi-final can now be announced
Semi-finalists announced:
Neil Brownless
Matthew Ryan
Tom Hancock
Rita Arendz
Alistair Gibson
Stefano Giacomelli
Luca Pasqua
Rokas Podelis
Oliver Hallstead-Brooks
Fiona Bishop
Kyle Blake
Andrew Lofthouse
Catch a glimpse of the semi-finalists in action
These successful conductors will now progress to the semi-final on Saturday June 17th to be held at Eccles Town Hall near Manchester. The semi-final will see each conductor rehearse the fantastic Hammonds Band on one of two test pieces: The World Rejoicing by Edward Gregson or ‘Sounds’ by John Golland. Rehearsals will be under the watchful eye of adjudicators Paul Holland and Mareika Gray, responsible for selecting the six conductors that will go through to the evening’s Gala concert final where they will conduct the superb Eccles Borough Band.
BBCA Chairperson James Holt commented:
"It’s fantastic that our competition is going from strength-to-strength, and we were delighted to get a high-class field of entrants from around the globe. This is a really good opportunity for conductors to work with outstanding bands and get feedback from professionals in their field and I am sure it will be a great day for those involved. The winner will have a unique opportunity to work with and perform conducting a championship band. Good luck to all those involved!"
Everyone is invited to watch the semi-finals between 11am and 3pm and then join us for the evening Gala Concert starting at 7:30pm, both of which will take place at the Eccles Town Hall. The first half will consist of the six chosen finalists leading the band through their final piece before a second half where the band will be led by BBCA Executive President Russell Gray. Entrance is free with a retiring collection.
Contact for more information: bbca@bbe.org.uk
BBCA would like to thank Yamaha for their generous sponsorship of this event.