We are delighted to announce, after the Covid-induced hiatus, the return of the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition in July 2023. After the triumphant inaugural incarnation (directed by John Miller and held at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2019) we are very excited that it will be held this time at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), and curated by Onyx Brass trombonist and RBC’s Head of Brass, Amos Miller.

The aim of this competition is to bring together young brass quintets and showcase excellence and enterprise in brass chamber music performance, building on the pioneering legacy of Philip Jones CBE (1928-2000), without whom brass chamber music would have an infinitely lesser profile. 2023 also marks the 30th anniversary of the eminent British brass quintet Onyx Brass, of which Philip was a great patron: inspired by him to commission (over 200 and counting!) new works, several of the set repertoire suggestions come from their catalogue, and the initial entry videos will be assessed by members of the group, and their composer-in-association Timothy Jackson.

This competition will provide a platform for a new generation of brass players, who will benefit both from an exceptionally distinguished international panel and through peer-to-peer learning. Additionally, several prominent music festivals and venues have expressed interest in the outcome of the competition.

We are very grateful, as always, to Ursula Jones for her indefatigable commitment to developing young artists, to James Murphy and the Royal Philharmonic Society, and to Buffet Crampon for their generous sponsorship.