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School of Music

Bangor Composer Wins British Composer Award

Guto Puw, Lecturer in Composition at Bangor University's School of Music and BBC NOW resident composer, has won the prestigious BBC British Composer Award 2007.

Image of Guto PuwRadio 3 listeners voted Guto's Oboe Concerto for the Radio Three Listeners' Award from among 12 new compositions by some of the UK's leading composers. The Award was announced in a ceremony hosted by the British Academy of Composers & Songwritersand are sponsored by the Performing Right Society (PRS).The winning works were revealed by Radio 3 presenters Sara Mohr-Pietsch and Andrew McGregor. The Awards was presented by composer Errollyn Wallen MBE, winner of the BBC Radio 3 Listeners Award in 2005.

Said Guto: “It is such an honour to receive this award from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, and what a pleasant surprise! I accept it on behalf of many individuals and various institutions that have supported me over the years. First of all, much of the credit should go to David Cowley for the collaboration during the compositional process, and later for his unique interpretation during the premiere. Secondly, I am in debt to the BBC NOW for their continued support, and for making all collaborations such an enjoyable experience. And finally, I wish to thank all the Radio 3 listeners who cast their votes, may they continue to listen!”

Professor Thomas Schmidt-Beste, Head of Bangor's School of Music said: "To have Guto's work nominated in the company of some of the greatest composers of our time – like Brian Ferneyhough and Michael Nyman – is further evidence of his rising stature in the realm of contemporary composition. The School feels privileged to have the foremost Welsh composer of the younger generation on its staff."

Guto Puw’s appointment with BBC National Orchestra of Wales is for a three year period running until the end of 2008. During this time he will write three works, two of which are being commissioned by BBC Radio 3 on behalf of the Orchestra.