Edward Gregson’s new work for brass band, The World Rejoicing, commissioned by the National Brass Band Associations of Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the UK, finally received its UK premiere at the 2022 British Open Championships, having been postponed for two years due to the Covid pandemic.  Referred to by various commentators as ‘Gregson’s superb score’ … ‘a masterful score’ … ‘wonderful music’ … there were also lengthier descriptions:

His is perhaps the foremost arc of compositional influence for the medium – one that he has helped to broaden exponentially with his clearly defined style of writing that intuitively embraces command of tonality, vibrancy and texture as well as dynamics, pacing and colouring (Ian Fox: 4barsrest)

The World Rejoicing is by some way his most virtuosic score, emphasising the degree to which his mastery of orchestral colour has impacted his approach to the brass band score (Paul Hindmarsh: Brass Band World)

Brighouse & Rastrick Band, conducted by Professor David King, were the winners, lifting the British Open Challenge Shield at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Saturday 10 September. The runner up was Foden’s Band, conducted by Russell Gray.

Read a report and review of the 2022 British Open Championship here