The four set pieces for the 2027 All-Japan Band Contest have been announced. This year's lineup is drawing significant attention, as it features a work by Robert Sheldon, marking the first time in 49 years that a foreign composer has been commissioned to write a set piece for the contest.

Wind Band Neon / Shigen Himeno (Winner of the 36th Asahi Composition Award)
Parnassus March / Motonobu Goto (Runner-up)
Armeria / Jun Nagao (Commissioned Work)
Ascending the Snowcapped Peaks / Robert Sheldon (Commissioned Work)

According to the All-Japan Band Association, the official numbering of the pieces (I-IV) has not yet been decided. Sheet music, CDs, and DVDs are scheduled for release in late February 2027.

All-Japan Band Association
Asahi Shimbun Article: 2027 Band Contest Set Pieces Announced