There was a major shock at the fourth Austrian National Championship on the weekend, as Brass Band Froschl Hall claimed the honours at the Brucknerhaus Concert Hall in Linz.

Although only three bands competed in the event, adjudicators Philip Sparke, Luc Vertommen and Isabelle Ruf-Weber took a great amount of time over their deliberations.

Analogy

Speaking before the announcement of the results Philip used a house buying analogy to explain that the trio of performances from defending champion, Brass Band Oberosterreich, Austrian Brass Band and Brass Band Froschl Hall each had their attractions as well as their faults that appealed to one if not the others on the box.

The decision process was therefore one of considered, collective compromise as the judges reviewed the twin renditions of Jan Van der Roost's 'Canterbury Chorale' and Philip's own 'Harmony Music' — one that eventually resulted in a first ever National success for Brass Band Froschl Hall, led by Swiss conductor Corsin Tuor.

Euro return

They will now represent Austria at the 2018 European Championships in Utrecht — although the band is no stranger to event, having enjoyed considerable success in winning the former incarnation of the Challenge Section four times between 1994 and 1999.

Austrian Brass Band claimed the runner-up spot ahead of Brass Band Oberosterreich.

The band is no stranger to event, having enjoyed considerable success in winning the former incarnation of the Challenge Section four times between 1994 and 19994BR

Result:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Philip Sparke, Luc Vertommen, Isabelle Ruf-Weber

1. Brass Band Froschl Hall (Corsin Tuor) — 91.66
2. Austrian Brass Band (Prof Uwe Koller) — 90.33
3. Brass Band Oberosterreich (Ian Porthouse) — 90.00