The NYBBGB launches John Gillam Young Composers’ Competition 2027
Young composers aged 30 and under are invited to create a new work for brass band, with entries judged by Errollyn Wallen, Martyn Brabbins and Philip Harper and the winning composition performed by The NYBBGB in summer 2027.
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has opened entries for its third Young Composers’ Competition – newly named The John Gillam Young Composers’ Competition in memory of the late John Gillam, whose extraordinary contribution to The NYBBGB and the wider brass band movement spanned more than five decades.
Supported by the Garrick Charitable Trust, the 2027 competition invites composers aged 30 or under on 1 January 2027 to submit an original work of up to five minutes for brass band. Entries close on 31 December 2026.
Entries will be considered by a distinguished judging panel comprising Errollyn Wallen CBE, Master of the King’s Music; internationally renowned conductor and NYBBGB President Martyn Brabbins; and award-winning composer and conductor Philip Harper, who becomes The NYBBGB’s Director of Artistic Planning in 2027.
More than a competition
For the first time, the competition will incorporate an extensive practical development stage, giving three shortlisted composers the opportunity to work directly with The NYBBGB before final judging.
The three shortlisted works will be workshopped by the Band at the Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birmingham on Sunday 16 May 2027. Each composer will take part in a dedicated 45-minute session in which their piece will be rehearsed, explored and developed in collaboration with the conductor and NYBBGB musicians.
Following the workshops, the composers will have the opportunity to revise and resubmit their scores, accompanied by an explanation of the changes they have made. NYBBGB musicians will also have an input into the final judging process, with the ultimate decision resting with the official judging panel.
The winner will be announced by 31 May 2027.
The winning composer will receive a £900 cash prize and mentoring opportunity, while the runner-up will receive £300 and a one-to-one coaching session with a member of the judging panel.
Most importantly, the winning work will be rehearsed during Philip Harper’s inaugural NYBBGB Youth Band Summer Course as Director of Artistic Planning and performed by the Youth Band at its two Summer Concerts on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 August 2027, under his baton.
Inspiring the composers of the future
Philip Harper, who becomes The NYBBGB’s Director of Artistic Planning from Easter 2027, said:
“As a composer myself, I know there is nothing quite like hearing your music brought to life by musicians for the first time. But this competition offers something more than a performance: it gives young composers the opportunity to work with the Band, hear what works in practice, exchange ideas with the musicians and develop their piece before it reaches its final form.
“I’m particularly looking forward to discovering the individuality and imagination of the composers who enter. There is such an exciting range of possibilities within the brass band, and I hope young composers from all musical backgrounds will see this as an invitation to explore them.
“It will be a real privilege to perform the winning work with The NYBBGB during my inaugural summer course and concerts as Director of Artistic Planning.”
A lasting tribute to John Gillam
The 2027 competition is the first to carry the name of John Gillam, who died earlier this year.
John first joined The NYBBGB as a BBb Bass player in 1975, beginning a relationship with the organisation that would last for more than 50 years. As a musician, tutor, trustee and Chair, he played an important role in shaping generations of young musicians and the development of The NYBBGB itself.
Naming the Young Composers’ Competition in his honour creates a lasting connection between John’s remarkable contribution to The NYBBGB and the organisation’s continuing commitment to nurturing the musicians and musical leaders of the future.
Mark Bromley, Chief Executive Officer of The NYBBGB, said:
“John believed passionately in young people, in musical excellence and in always looking towards what might come next. It therefore feels particularly fitting that our Young Composers’ Competition should carry his name.
“2027 will also mark the 75th anniversary of The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. As we reach this momentous milestone, this competition is a wonderful example of how we can celebrate an extraordinary musical legacy while continuing to invest in the future.
“We want to give talented young composers more than simply the chance to win a competition. By working with our musicians, hearing their music rehearsed and receiving guidance from some of the leading figures in the profession, we hope they will gain an experience that genuinely helps them develop their craft and ambitions.
“We are very grateful to the Garrick Charitable Trust for supporting the 2027 competition and helping us create this opportunity for the next generation of composers. We are tremendously excited to discover the music that this year’s competition will inspire.”
Building a new generation of brass band repertoire
The NYBBGB launched its first Young Composers’ Competition in 2022 as part of its charitable commitment to developing young musical talent and creating pathways into the wider profession.
The inaugural competition was won by Daniel Hall with Dieu Et Mon Droit. Runner-up Lennert Van Laenen’s composition was subsequently performed by The NYBBGB Children’s Band, while works by Jack Yagerline and Charlotte McGregor-Graham were highly commended. The NYBBGB subsequently commissioned new works from both Daniel Hall and Charlotte McGregor-Graham.
The second competition attracted 29 aspiring composers from around the world. Three winning works – Will Everitt’s Variations on an Enclosure, Nina Martin’s Betws-y-Coed and Samuel Thackray’s Nocturnal Dances – received their world premières at The NYBBGB’s 2025 Summer Concert at the Royal College of Music in London, under the baton of Martyn Brabbins.
The John Gillam Young Composers’ Competition builds on that success, offering young composers a platform to experiment, develop their craft and contribute new music to the brass band repertoire.
Enter the competition
The John Gillam Young Composers’ Competition 2027 is open to composers who will be aged 30 or under on 1 January 2027.
Entries must be submitted by 31 December 2026. Works must be new, unpublished, not previously publicly performed, written for standard brass band instrumentation and last no more than five minutes.
Entrants must also be available to attend the shortlisted composers’ workshop at the Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birmingham on Sunday 16 May 2027, should their composition be selected.
