The ten shortlisted semi-finalists in the Brass Band Conductors’ Association flagship Conducting Competition have been announced.
After the initial video round, the successful entrants who have made it through to the live semi-final are:
- Christopher Ward
- Neil Brownless
- Craig Ratcliffe
- Isabella Gonzalez Diaz
- Craig Sanders
- Gary Perrin
- Rita Arendz
- Eduardo Polimeni
- Joshua Parkhill
- So Matsukawa
Catch a glimpse of them in action
These conductors are invited to the semi-final on Saturday 15 June 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: ‘Resurgam’ by Eric Ball, or ‘Rhythm of Light’ by Liz Lane. Rehearsals will take place under the watchful eye of adjudicators Sarah Groarke-Booth and Morgan Griffiths, who will be responsible for selecting the five conductors that will go through to the evening’s Gala concert final where they will conduct Eccles Borough Band.
BBCA Chair, James Holt, commented: "It’s fantastic that we’ve had such 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 Russell Gray and rehearse and perform conducting a championship band. Good luck to all those involved!"
Those wishing to watch the semi-finals between 11.15am and 2.45pm and the evening Gala Concert starting at 7:30pm, are invited to Eccles Town Hall. The Gala Concert will include the five chosen finalists leading the Eccles Borough Band through their final piece interspersed with other concert items conducted by Mareika Gray. Entry is free with a retiring collection.
The BBCA conducting competition is sponsored by Yamaha.
For more information, contact bbca@bbe.org.uk