BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL COMPOSITION COMPETITION

We were delighted to receive a large number of varied, global entries for the first Blackburn Cathedral Composition Competition. It gives us great pleasure to announce two awards and we are very grateful to Canon and Mrs Ian Garden for donating the first prize.

FIRST PLACE

Carillon Sortie on Noel Nouvelet – Simon Bowler

Simon’s work will be premiered by the Organist in Residence, John Hosking at the Easter Day Eucharist, which will be live streamed. John will also perform the work in concert at Chester Cathedral on April 13th. 

Simon Bowler began his musical training as a chorister at Southwell Minster, continuing studies at the Royal College of Music and London University. Upon graduation he moved to Peterborough Cathedral in 1993 as assistant organist before working initially at Chethams’ School of Music in Manchester and then as Director of Music at Bryanston School. He later pursued a freelance conducting career, working closely with Chris Adey and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra. He was also an examiner for ABRSM for fifteen years.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Christ lag in Todesbanden – Alfred Hopkins

Alfred’s highly imaginative work will receive a concert performance later in the year by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, John Robinson who will also make a private recording for Alfred’s records.