Superlocrian – ‘Hills & Valleys’ Composition Prizewinners’ Concert

The Bridport Arts Centre, a historic 19th-century venue, hosted a significant event showcasing emerging musical talent from South-West England. On Sunday evening, the acclaimed acoustic chamber-jazz group Superlocrian brought to life a series of original compositions by young composers participating in the South-West’s Beyond the Hills & Valleys competition.

This event marked the culmination of a months-long initiative designed to foster creativity among musicians aged 11 to 19. Launched earlier this year, the competition invited full-time students to compose music inspired by nature and environmental themes. The selected finalists received mentorship and collaborated closely with Superlocrian to develop their pieces for live performance.

The concert program, curated and introduced by Superlocrian’s director Sam Massey, blended the ensemble’s own recent works from their album 'Hills & Valleys' with world premieres by established composers Laura Rossi and Iain Ballamy. However, the spotlight was firmly on the four winning pieces from the competition, each reflecting distinct interpretations of natural phenomena through jazz composition.

Freya Murray’s Postcards from Lyme Regis, which secured first place, captivated the audience with its vivid musical imagery. The piece’s delicate interplay among wind instruments evoked the sensation of coastal winds and the lively atmosphere of the seaside town. Murray’s achievement is underscored by her current studies in composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, highlighting a promising trajectory in her musical career.

Jacob Butler-Serono’s Gaia’s Wrath, awarded second place, stood out for its dynamic tension and intricate ensemble interplay. The piece successfully conveyed an intense jazz atmosphere, drawing listeners into the thematic essence of natural forces. Third place was claimed by Elliot Mair, whose composition Triumphant Ascendance musically narrated the legendary tale of St George and the Dragon with cinematic flair. Mair is also pursuing formal composition studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

The evening also featured Lukas Makuta’s Cloud Landing, a highly commended work characterized by flowing tonal patterns suggestive of shifting cloud formations. Makuta, affiliated with the South West Music School, contributed a piece that impressed with its evocative soundscapes and melodic fluidity.

In addition to these premieres, the concert showcased contributions from the Devon Jazz Orchestra ambassadors, who performed jazz standards such as Herbie Hancock’s Chameleon and Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia, adding depth and variety to the program.

The event was further enriched by live interviews with the young composers, offering audiences insight into their creative processes and the natural inspirations behind their works. Many expressed the profound impact of hearing their music performed live, emphasizing the difference in experiencing acoustics and ensemble dynamics compared to digital mock-ups.

Earlier in the day, workshops led by Superlocrian engaged local young musicians, culminating in collaborative performances that closed each half of the concert. These inclusive activities underscored the event’s community-oriented ethos and commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Supported by Arts Council England, Dorset Music Service, and Devon Music Education Hub, the project represents a significant investment in youth music education and contemporary jazz composition within the region. The successful integration of mentorship, performance, and education at Bridport Arts Centre highlights the vitality of live music and its role in artistic development.

Details regarding future iterations of the Beyond the Hills & Valleys competition remain limited, but the positive reception of this inaugural event suggests ongoing opportunities for young composers to engage with professional ensembles and audiences. Superlocrian’s dedication to fostering new voices in jazz composition contributes meaningfully to the cultural landscape of South-West England.