Fodens Composer in Residence nominated for Composer Award

Posted by Mark Wilkinson on 27 October 2012

Fodens Composer in residence nominated for British Composer Award following a Fodens commission

Andy Scott’s Spirit of Mingus has been shortlisted for a British Composer Award 2012 in the Wind Band or Brass Band category. The work beat off stiff competition from some of the UK’s leading contemporary composers to make it on to the shortlist of only three selected works revealed on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune on 25 October. Andy Scott has gained a strong international reputation for his innovative and powerful works for brass band over the last five years, success which is reflected in this nomination.

Spirit of Mingus was commissioned by Foden’s Band in 2011 as the latest stage of their ongoing relationship with Andy as their composer in residence. It was premiered by Foden’s at the RNCM Festival of Brass in January 2012 under the baton of Mike Fowles. Christopher Thomas of Four Bars Rest wrote: "Andy Scott utilised Foden’s formidable array of soloists to brilliant effect in his choreographed, narrated and brilliantly evocative Spirit of Mingus.”

The British Composer Awards, now in their 10th year, are unique in the world for their focus on contemporary classical and jazz music. Created by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA), the Awards exist to promote the art of composition, to recognise the creative talent of composers who live and work in the UK and to bring contemporary music to a wider audience.

This is the second time that Andy Scott’s work has been recognised in the highly prestigious award scheme. Dark Rain, his concerto for two saxophones and wind orchestra, won a British Composer Award in the same category in 2006. Andy Scott’s works are published exclusively by Astute Music.

The 10th British Composer Awards ceremony will take place on 3 December at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London and will feature in a BBC Radio 3 broadcast on 9 December.

A video of the Fodens RNCM performance can be viewed below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KyP4Q-FzE4