As always with the European Championships, there was a great deal of interesting things to listen to away from the main spotlight events.
On the Thursday the Composers Competition came of age with a quartet of diverse works performed splendidly by Brass Band Groningen and Brass Band Rijnmond in the compact surroundings of the smaller Jurriaanse Zaal.
Well supported
Well supported it gave the whole event a uplifting start, despite Paul McGhee’s excellent winning composition ‘Lullaby’ taking inspiration from a poem that leads to instant death!
His is a very unique compositional voice, that fully deserved the claim the 3000 Euro first prize, but EBBA could perhaps enhance the prestige of the event by also ensuring that the winner gets to write the B Section test piece the following year.
The sartorial elegance of the average Dutchman...
Wonderful opportunity
Meanwhile, the European Youth Band continued to provide a wonderful opportunity for young players with an experience they will never forget, thanks to the fine conducting of Erik van de Kolk and some well planned events.
They performed splendidly in their joint role as Euro ambassador/ salesmen in their series of concerts – a role that surely led to many more people taking time to come and listen to the event as a whole.
Brass band culture
Paul Hindmarsh chaired an interesting Brass Conference, where representatives from Norway, Scotland, France and Ireland gave presentations into how a brass band culture has grown and continues to grow in their countries.
Of particular interest was Roy Terry’s clear analysis of French banding, which holds such promise in so many ways – from the development of high class community ensembles to the possible hosting of the championships by entrepreneurial cultural departments in cities such as Lille.
Special mention
A special mention though for the Gala Concert, which featured the remarkable Philip Cobb, the brass ensemble of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under the baton of Ivan Meylemans and Manger Musikklag directed by Martin Winter (with Peter Sebastian Szilvay on fourth percussion!).
The first half was serious music making of the very highest class – as the pros strutted their stuff without a flicker of misplaced emotion.
The second half was a hoot – as Manger blew the roof off with a brilliant reprise of their prize winning SIDDIS entertainment programme. It was sensational.
It provided a fitting climax to a wonderful festival.
Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH
August 30 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We would welcome new players to join our band
August 30 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire, Championship section) seek: . 2nd EUPHONIUM, Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). . We are an ambitious, friendly band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.
August 30 • Our community based Stretford Band (Manchester) needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic bass, trombone and percussion players or any player who fancies a relaxed blow without the pressure of competition. No auditions. Good fun guaranteed. . .
