A new rising musical star is set to be uncovered thanks to a Shropshire estate agent.
The Nock Deighton Challenge for Young Composers aims to find the next Bach, Mozart or Beethoven and forms part of the annual Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival.
With the estate agents’ sponsorship now in its fourth year, it has taken on an extra significance after the sad death of Eric Pegam last year.
Eric was one of the main organisers of the festival and was committed to highlighting talented brass musicians and composers from the county.
The winner of this year’s challenge will receive a cash prize and The Eric Peagam Memorial Trophy, with prizes also awarded for second and third place.
The free event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10, at the Museum of Iron in Coalbrookdale.
Graham Taylor, managing director of Nock Deighton, said: “We are very proud to sponsor this award and to continue our association with Ironbridge Band Festival.
“We have already seen past winners go on to great things so expectations are high for this year’s recipient.
“The festival is an excellent event right here in Shropshire and we’d encourage residents to go along and listen to the great talent we have here.”
Neil Fury, one of the festival’s organisers, added: “We opened for entries earlier in the year and were once again delighted with the high standard of work sent in.
“We’re looking forward to announcing the winner at the festival and would encourage anyone with a love of great music to come along during the weekend.
“The organisers would love to see even more entries next year and we will be launching the 2017 challenge during the festival weekend.”
Nock Deighton has been established in Shropshire since 1831 and has offices in Telford, Ironbridge, Newport, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Cleobury Mortimer, Leominster and Kidderminster.
The company provides a full range of services for anyone buying, selling or renting a house in the area.
Visit www.ironbridgebandfestival.co.
Neil Fury (left) and Graham Taylor (right).
