Spotlight on Claire Cope: Introducing Through the Spiral – A New Voice in Brass Band Repertoire

At Astute Music, we’re thrilled to showcase bold new works that redefine the brass band landscape, and today, we’re proud to present Through the Spiral by the award-winning composer Claire Cope. This dynamic, narrative-driven piece, premiered by the renowned Fairey Band earlier this year, is a testament to Claire’s unique ability to weave contemporary flair into the rich tradition of brass music. We’re honored to publish some of her remarkable compositions, and Through the Spiral is a standout addition to our catalog.

Claire Cope is a rising star whose career bridges contemporary classical and jazz with seamless artistry. Celebrated for her evocative storytelling, she’s garnered accolades like the 2022 Marvin Hamlisch International Music Award and a place in the 2024 Three Choirs Festival New Voices Composer Academy, where her choral work In Its Light captivated audiences. Her selection for the 2025 Edward T. Cone Composition Institute at Princeton, where the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra premiered her orchestral piece Agita, further cements her as a major compositional voice. Claire’s work extends to her 11-piece jazz ensemble, Ensemble C, whose album Every Journey (released on Adhyâropa Records) has earned praise from outlets like Textura (“a tremendous realization of her vision”) and All About Jazz (“a powerful album”). Her collaborations with artists like saxophonists Andy Scott and Rob Buckland, trumpeter Lucy Humphris, and the Apollo Saxophone Quartet (featured at the 2024 LunArt Festival) showcase her versatility across genres.Through the Spiral embodies Claire’s signature “journeying” style, crafted specifically for brass band. This 6-minute, four-movement work takes listeners on a sonic voyage, spiraling through layers of texture and emotion inspired by the concept of growth and transformation. Picture soaring cornets weaving intricate motifs, brooding euphoniums grounding the harmony, and percussive bursts that evoke a cosmic helix. Claire’s own words capture its essence: “Spirals represent that endless cycle of reflection and renewal, much like the improvisational heart of jazz meeting the structured beauty of classical forms.”

The Fairey Band’s premiere brought Through the Spiral to life with electrifying energy, highlighting its balance of technical precision and emotional depth. Audiences were captivated by its accessible yet innovative sound, with many noting how its memorable motifs lingered long after the performance. This is a musical story that invites players to explore their own narratives through its dynamic arcs.We’re proud to publish this work as part of our commitment to championing composers like Claire, whose music pushes boundaries while resonating with performers and audiences alike. Ready to add Through the Spiral to your repertoire? Visit our shop to listen to the full audio sample (performed by the Fairey Band) and download your copy today. Whether you’re a conductor seeking fresh concert material or a player eager for a new challenge, this piece will bring a vibrant twist to your program.

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What do you love about contemporary brass band music? Have you performed or heard Claire Cope’s work before? Share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear your stories!

Follow Claire’s journey at clairecopemusic.com for updates on her upcoming premieres, including a flute and piano duo for the 2025 National Flute Convention.