Stavanger will host a full schedule of competitions, concerts and attractions as it welcomes competitors, supporters and visitors to the 2025 European Brass Band Championships.
All starts
It all starts on Saturday 3rd May as the players who make up the European Youth Brass Band assemble in Viste to start their rehearsals ahead of a busy timetable of concert appearances under the direction of Margie S Antrobus (below).
There is also music provided by some of Norway’s finest brass bands with a midnight concert at St. Petri Church on May 9th featuring Bjørsvik Brass, Tertnes Brass and Manger Musikklag.
During the busy EBBC weekend there will be a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy in and outside Stavanger Konserthus designed to bring the spirit of the event to everyone. The festival area is free and open to the public, inviting people to take part in an inclusive celebration of brass band culture.
With the promise of good weather, the outdoor area aims to become a hub of activity fuelled by a range culinary offerings and refreshments – from traditional Norwegian svele (a kind of thick pancake) to some of the well-known beers and soft drinks.
With the promise of good weather, the outdoor area aims to become a hub of activity fuelled by a range culinary offerings and refreshments – from traditional Norwegian svele (a kind of thick pancake) to some of the well-known beers and soft drinks.
This festival area will also showcase performances from the exciting Norwegian youth and contemporary brass scene. One of which, Blåsemafian will lead a workshop on Saturday 10th May from 3.00pm followed by a concert at 6.00pm. Several local bands will also perform.
The weekend will conclude with a farewell concert on Sunday at 3.00pm.
Iwan Fox
Margie Antrobus image: Oyvind Andersen
EBC Schedule:
Saturday 3rd May:
Assembly of the European Youth Brass Band (EYBB) 2025
Sunday 4th May:
9.30am: Preliminary round of the European Conductors Competition
Monday 5th May:
6.30pm: Concert featuring the EYBB and Tasta Skolekorps
Sunde/Kvernevik bydelshus
Tuesday 6th May:
6.00pm: Semi-final of the European Conductors Competition
Kuppelhallen
Wednesday 7th May:
7.00pm: EYBB concert with Riska Brass Band and Rogaland Youth Band
Sandnes Kulturhus
Tickets: https://www.sandnes-kulturhus.no/program/youth-in-concert-et-mote-med-fremtidens-musikere/
Thursday 8th May:
8.15pm: Final of the European Conductors Competition
Fartein Valen
Friday 9th May:
10.30am: Opening Ceremony (by invitation only)
Draw: EBBC Championship Section set-test and EBBC Challenge Section
1.30pm: Composer talk
2.30pm: EBBC Championship Section set-test
Fartein Valen Stavanger Konserthus
Saturday 10th May:
8.00pm: Draw for the EBBC Championship Section own-choice
9.00am: EBBC Challenge Section
Fartein Valen, Stavanger Konserthus
11.00am: EBBC Championship Section own-choice
Fartein Valen, Stavanger Konserthus
8.30pm: Gala Concert
Fartein Valen, Stavanger Konserthus
9.30pm: Brass Party
Sunday 11th May:
8.00am: EBBA General Meeting
9.00am: European Youth Band Championships:
Development Section
Fartein Valen, Stavanger Konserthus
11.45am: Premier section
Fartein Valen, Stavanger Konserthus
3.00pm: Farewell Concert, followed by award ceremony
Stavanger Konserthus