The UniBrass Contest, the highlight of the university brass band calendar, returns to Warwick Arts Centre on Saturday 17th February 2024.
Over 800 of the country's best young musicians, from over 30 universities, will travel to the University of Warwick to compete in two sections: the UniBrass Shield and the UniBrass Trophy. Each band will perform a carefully selected 20-minute set to impress a team of adjudicators, who will judge them on their musicality and level of entertainment.
Past events have featured a variety of music, including John Williams, Gustav Holst and even the Beatles! Beyond the music, the contest provides fantastic entertainment, with dinosaurs walking the stage and a Glastonbury themed set last year! Tickets for the contest are available from the Warwick Arts Centre Box Office.
The results ceremony will feature a performance by Warwickshire and Coventry Youth Brass Band, following their fantastic debut performance at UniBrass 2023. This provides an excellent opportunity for local young performers, who were heavily supported with enthusiastic cheers from the audience last year.
Throughout the day, the UniBrass Community Hub, a brand-new project for 2024, will be located at the centre of Warwick Arts Centre. The day will include new, exclusive interviews, workshops and masterclasses, as well as celebrations of past contests and participants.
The UniBrass Contest is no stranger to welcoming exceptional talent to its annual gala concert, and this year is no exception. Foden's Band, the world's number one ranked brass band and current British Open and Brass in Concert champions, are due to perform a dazzling set after the contest. The band will be joined by world-renowned trumpet soloist, James Fountain, who is principal trumpet at the London Symphony Orchestra.
The concert will include the premiere of 'Calling' by Naomi Rebecca Hill, the winner of the UniBrass 2024 Composition Competition. The pairing of Foden's Band and James Fountain at the 2024 Gala Concert is sure to offer an unforgettable performance which will conclude a fantastic day of music from young musicians from across the country. Tickets for the Gala Concert are on sale from the Warwick Arts Centre Box Office.
