Edward Gregson has been commissioned by the Ida Carroll Trust to write a new work for string orchestra in memory of the Cheshire artist Dorothy Bradford who died in July last year aged 90.

The composer writes:

In looking for a particular painting from the artist’s considerable output on which to base my new work, I was drawn to one entitled Goddess (1980), unusual for the artist’s output in its subject matter. In a largely blue canvas it depicts a seemingly lonely reclining female figure – sensuous, beguiling, and preoccupied. I have written a slow movement which tries to capture …

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Edward Gregson’s work for brass band, the Rococo Variations, is to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on the 5th March, 2009. This is part of Radio 3’s coverage of the Royal Northern College of Music’s Festival of Brass 2009.

The Rococo Variations will be played around 4.30pm (UK time) as part of the Afternoon on Three programme. For more information, visit the Radio 3 programme schedule page.…

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Edward Gregson was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Music from the University of Manchester at a recent ceremony held at the University. He was presented by Professor Philip Grange, himself a composer and Head of the Music Department at the University. The Doctorate was awarded in recognition of his international reputation as a composer and for his services to music education.

This latest award adds to an impressive list of honorary doctorates and fellowships from British universities and colleges, including the universities of Birmingham, Lancaster and Sunderland, as well as the Royal Academy of Music (his alma mater), Royal College …

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Edward Gregson talks to Rebecca Agnew at the Brass Herald magazine about his work the Rococo Variations.

The article starts: “September 2008 is a very
significant month for Edward
Gregson. It will be the first
time in decades that he hasn’t had
to return to an academic post after
the long summer vacation, having
just retired after 12 years as
Principal of the Royal Northern
College of Music (RNCM) in
Manchester. While over in
Birmingham, his Rococo Variations
will be premièred at the British
Open Championships on 13
September, Gregson’s first brass
band test-piece for 17 years.”

To view …

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