A panoramic view of the city of Utrecht
The 2018 European Brass Band Championships will be held in the city of Utrecht - the proud capital of the Dutch province that has a rich cultural history stretching back to the Middle Ages.
Utrecht is also situated right in the heart of the Netherlands, and is only 30 minutes by an excellent train service from Amsterdam’s international Schiphol Airport, and in 2012 was voted one of the world’s top 10 ‘unsung places’ by the influential Lonely Planet travel guide.
Friendly welcome
Renowned for its friendly welcome (its home to over 30,000 students, a football team, rowing clubs and even a baseball team), it’s also famous for its superb architecture, dominated by the wonderful Dom Tower, the tallest belfry in the country. In contrast there is the remarkable Rietveld Schroder House, built in 1924, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Standing tall: The famous Dom Tower
Utrecht is also a very easy place to get around – the excellent public transport, extensive cycle paths and Oudegracht canal, lined by many fine restaurants, makes for an open and clean cityscape atmosphere.
Culture has played a central part in the city’s historic and modern day development - from its renowned universities to several outstanding theatres, cinemas and art galleries. The Centraal Museum includes a permanent exhibition of the work of artist Dick Bruna - famous for creating ‘Miffy’ the children’s cartoon figure.
Wide range
The 2018 European Festival will be organised by ZIMIHC, an organisation that helps promote a wide range of amateur art in the city and region.
With over 26 years of experience organising major projects and events, ZIMIHC boasts three theatres and a broad professional network that gives artists the opportunity and room necessary in order for their talents to flourishZIMIHC
Experience
With over 26 years of experience organising major projects and events, ZIMIHC boasts three theatres and a broad professional network that gives artists the opportunity and room necessary in order for their talents to flourish.
Over the past few years ZIMIHC has presented several international music events which have garnered widespread critical and artistic acclaim (such as the 2009 Europa Cantat Festival).
The European Championships form part of a wonderful brass festival
Venue experience
The centre of competitive action at the 2018 Festival (28th April – 6th May), which will include European Brass Band Championships, European Youth Brass Band Competition and EBBA Soloist Competition, will be the TivoliVredenburg Concert Hall.
It is also a venue that has experience at putting on major brass band events - with the Dutch National Championships now taking place here each October.
http://https://www.tivolivredenburg.nl/nl/
Highly popular
Designed by Herman Hertzberger, it’s a wonderful state of the art contemporary music complex consisting of five halls, each specifically designed to accommodate various musical genres.
Opened in 2014 it has since become a highly popular venue, hosting pop, jazz, choral and orchestral concerts - many in its uniquely designed Grote Zaal main hall, which ensures that no listener in a capacity of 1717 is more than 60 meters from the stageZIMICH
Opened in 2014 it has since become a highly popular venue, hosting pop, jazz, choral and orchestral concerts - many in its uniquely designed Grote Zaal main hall, which ensures that no listener in a capacity of 1717 is more than 60 meters from the stage.
The unique design of the Grote Hall makes for a intimate listening experience
Enjoy brass
However, not all the musical action will be taking place there. EBBC2018 will also function as the centre of several stages and staging opportunities for brass players of different levels, ensembles and ages. The focus of the festival is to involve an enthusiastic and supportive existing audience as well as connecting with a new one.
You can therefore take your time on your visit to Utrecht and still enjoy brass music - with many outdoor concerts taking place throughout the cityZIMIHC
You can therefore take your time on your visit to Utrecht and still enjoy brass music - with many outdoor concerts taking place throughout the city - be it a market square, park, canal or church. The added attractions of Utrecht Brass offer a wide ranging programme of concerts, lectures, conferences and workshops.
Tickets for the European Brass Band Championships 2018 will be on sale from 1st of February 2018.
http://www.ebba.eu.com/
