Twice Grammy-nominated saxophonist to perform for Bromsgrove International Muscians' Competition's 40th anniversary - The Bromsgrove Standard

Twice Grammy-nominated saxophonist to perform for Bromsgrove International Muscians' Competition's 40th anniversary

Bromsgrove Editorial 26th Nov, 2020   0

A TWICE Grammy-nominated saxophonist will perform the world premiere of Chris Rogerson’s ‘Four Simple Songs’ in a free virtual concert being streamed.

Amy Dickson’s performance will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Bromsgrove International Muscians’ Competition (BIMC).

The show – on December 11 – will be introduced by BIMC President, George Caird and dedicated to its founders – Dr Mary White, Dr Donald Hunt, Joyce Messenger and Peter Ward, along with former chairman and latterly president Sir John Manduell.

This performance will kickstart a mini-series of virtual recitals, all featuring some of previous BIMC winners.




Several of them now act as ambassadors – international world-class stars include 26and Emily Sun.

Led by Amy Dickson, each has generously donated their time to record their favourite pieces and explain how winning the competition was important for them.


‘Four Simple Songs’ was originally commissioned for The Bromsgrove’s 40th Anniversary in April 2020, but due to Covid-19 and the Government restrictions in place at the time, the celebrations had to be put on hold.

It was the first time in its 40 year history the competition did not take place.

BMIC was originally part of the Bromsgrove Festival run by Dr Mary White.

The idea for a young musicians’ competition came from Dr Donald Hunt.

Together with Joyce Messenger and Peter Ward, they had the foresight to see a music competition would reflect the town’s creativity whilst also bringing a unique element to Bromsgrove life.

Through their joint hard work and that of many others in Bromsgrove and the wider West Midlands, the Platform, as it was known then, developed rapidly.

The contest has benefitted from other key contributors – the first chairman Richard Butt brought in his BBC connections and Sir John took over in 1992 before becoming president in 2017 until his death.

Past adjudicators, including Sir Philip Ledger and Edmond Fivet, and present chairman Ian Morris also helped it develop.

A link with Bromsgrove School saw a prestigious performance space emerge in the Routh Concert Hall.

The development of The Bromsgrove Young Musicians’ Platform has also encouraged emerging school age talent through bursary support.

Going forward, a charitable foundation has been established to enable donations to be used to expand the competition and help musicians develop their careers through educational outreach, professional development and ‘Play Away Days’ for primary and secondary school children.

Chairman of The Bromsgrove, His Honour Ian Morris says, “The Bromsgrove has established a reputation for nurturing many of the best young musicians from across the world, and we are delighted to bring some of those back to perform virtually.

“I anticipate that our online audience will want to applaud their devotion and generosity by enjoying the brilliant performances across our upcoming online recital series.

“This loud applause will be appreciated even more if audience members feel moved to make a donation through our website – small or large.

“We would be most grateful to receive any amount of support, as we set out to meet new challenges to help aspiring young musicians through whatever times lie ahead.”

To find out more about the competition, please visit www.bromsgrovecompetition.com

If you are not already on the mailing list and you would like to receive the links to The Bromsgrove’s online mini-recitals, email [email protected]

Over the last four decades, a total exceeding seventeen hundred young musicians have used BIMC as their stepping-stone towards national and international success, and with your help, support and encouragement, the competition’s trustees cannot wait to welcome many more musical stars into The Bromsgrove family.

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