Brass Band Bugermusik Luzern conducted by Michael Bach has retained its Swiss Open title at the magnificent Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Hall in their home city on the weekend.

Twin performances

Their twin performances of ‘Blitz’ by Derek Bourgeois and their own choice selection of ‘Les Franc Juges’ by Berlioz saw them retain their title by the narrowest of margins from Brass Band 13 Etoiles directed by James Gourlay. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan directed by Jean-Francois Bobillier was third.

13 Etoiles led the contest after the set work discipline, but failed to fend off the challenge of their rivals on their own choice selection of ‘Carnival Romain’, (each band had to pick an overture), with Luzern turning a two point deficit into a narrow single point win.

Delight

Speaking exclusively to 4BR, the winning conductor Michael Bach was delighted to have retained the Open title just a few weeks before they challenge for the Swiss National crown in Montreux at the end of November.

"I am very happy that we have been able to win the Swiss Open for a second year, especially against such strong opposition," Michael said. "The performance of ‘Les Francs Juges’ was a great experience and one of the highlights of my conducting career so far!"

The performance of 'Les Francs Juges' was a great experience and one of the highlights of my conducting career so farConductor, Michael Bach

Nationals

Under his command Luzern has been revitalised as a contesting band, and has now won two of the last three contests under Michael’s baton.

"Having a streak of two wins and one second place gives us a great deal of confidence ahead of the Swiss National Championships at the end of November," he added.

"Personally I am very happy that the band is developing very well since I first took them 13 months ago. We have a great commitment and atmosphere in the band and we will do everything in our powers to try and qualify for next years European in Montreux."

The Swiss National Championships take place in Montreux on the 27th/28th November.

Result:
Adjudicators: Philip Sparke, Derek Broadbent, Howard Lorriman, Pascal Eicher, Carlo Balmelli.

1. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach), 175/176 = 351
2. Brass Band 13 Etoiles (James Gourlay), 177/173 = 350
3. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Jean-Francois Bobillier), 169/169 = 338
4. Brass Band Luzerner Hinterland (Herve Grelat), 168/165 = 333
5. Wallberg Band (Garry Cutt), 168/164 = 332
6. Oberaargauer Brass Band (Armin Renggli), 167/161 = 328
7. Brass Band Fribourg (Jean-Francois Michel), 164/164 = 328
8. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia (Yvan Lagger), 162/165 = 327
9. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Philip McCann), 166/160 = 326
10. Brass Band de Waldsang (Rieks vand der Velde), 161/161 = 322

March Prize: Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan
Best Own Choice Piece: Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach)