Internationally renowned for his contributions to wind and brass repertoire, Edward Gregson has long waited for the moment his work Of Men and Mountains would make its way to its originally-intended destination, the Royal Albert Hall in London. Gregson composed the work with the 1991 National Brass Band Championship Final in mind, but it was abandoned by the contest’s organiser due to its 17-18 minutes duration.

Having been chosen as the test piece for the 2023 Championship Final, on October 21 the work will be performed by 20 of Great Britain’s finest brass bands in the generous acoustic of the Royal Albert Hall for which the music was initially intended. Inspired by a memorable train ride through the Canadian Rockies and a metaphor for the spiritual journey of human existence, the music is powerful and challenging for the whole band, musically and technically.

A feature on Edward Gregson’s Of Men and Mountains is to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s flagship arts magazine programme ‘Music Matters’ on the morning of the event.  The composer has been interviewed by presenter Tom Service about his work, along with the views of some of the players of the defending champion Foden’s.  The broadcast is at 11.45am on Saturday 21st October.  Please follow this link to find out more.

The day begins at 10.00am with performances running until the results ceremony at 19.30.

Tickets are available through the Royal Albert Hall Box Office here.