Edward Gregson’s recent ‘Symphony in two movements’ for brass band, which was premiered in 2012 by the National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain and Wales, is to have its contest premiere at the European Brass Band Championships in Oslo on Saturday 4th May. One of the top bands in Europe will be giving the contest premiere in the own choice section of the competition. The 18 minute work is a tour-de-force in brass writing, technically and musically demanding, but rewarding in its lyricism as well as its virtuosity. Gregson’s music is well known in Norway, and the Norwegian Brass Band Championships co-commissioned his ‘Rococo Variations’ for their National Championships in 2008. His music has been recorded by a number of the leading bands in that country and he has conducted, adjudicated, and lectured there on many occasions. He will present in Oslo for this premiere contest performance.