We are delighted to announce the third iteration of the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition, to be held at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, UK, from 13th-18th July (inclusive), 2026, under the artistic direction of Amos Miller (Onyx Brass and Head of Brass at the Royal College of Music).

The aim of this competition is to bring together young brass quintets from around the world, 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. As with 2023’s competition, the renowned British brass quintet, Onyx Brass (of which Philip was a great patron) will be involved in the selection of the set repertoire choices, and the initial entry videos will be assessed by members of the group.

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, for their constant support and assistance.