Hepworth band to perform world premiere by composer, conductor and presenter Leo Geyer at Holmfirth Arts Festival.

The band is delighted to première 'Phoenix' by the young composer, conductor and presenter Leo Geyer as part of the programme for our Holmfirth Arts Festival 'Forces of Nature' concert, Sat 23 September, Holmbridge Church Hall, Holmfirth.

Leo Geyer is a young composer, conductor, and presenter. He enjoys a busy and diverse career composing and conducting opera, dance, film and concert music. Following his traineeship at the BBC, Leo has recently entered the broadcasting world as a music presenter for radio and television.

Leo has received various accolades for composition, the most recent of which is the Lord Mayor’s Composition Prize. His music has been described by The Times as “imaginative and beautifully shaped” and has received performances by ensembles including the English Chamber Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Rambert Dance Company and Opera North.

London-born, Leo studied at Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music, graduating with two first class degrees and The Soroptimist International of Manchester Award for Composers and Conductors.

‘Phoenix Fanfare’ was first commissioned by East London Music Group to celebrate the reopening of the British performing arts sector after the Covid pandemic. The mythological phoenix which dies in flames only to be reborn anew in the ashes, seemed to perfectly personify new life, energy and hope following two years of gruelling restrictions.

Speaking about the music Leo explains “the cyclic nature of the phoenix’s life also plays out in the musical structure. Specifically, each phrase is an extended variation of the previous phrase, so that musical material returns in ever greater cycles.

Having greatly enjoyed writing for brass band previously, and given that the original was written for brass and percussion, it seemed an obvious choice to create this new version for brass band. Importantly, the brass band iteration is not an orchestration of the original but rather a reimagining - expanding the musical ideas to fill the brass band soundscape.”

The band is looking forward to the première of this new work for brass band at Holmbridge Church Hall as part it’s programme of music for Holmfirth Arts Festival.