4BR has spoken exclusively to Thomas Beiganz, of Brass Band Oberoesterreich, just days before the Austrian Band departs on a ground breaking tour to South Africa.

High profile

The tour will see the band based in Cape Town, where they will perform three high profile concerts as well as provide a masterclass at the famous Stellenbosch University.

However, the 11 day tour which starts on April 15th has meant that the band reluctantly had to pull out of the European Brass Band Championships in Montreux this year – a decision that caused a great deal of soul searching according to Thomas.

Impossible

"We desperately wanted to be able to perform both in South Africa and Switzerland, but it was impossible with the travel arrangements and the preparation needed to play well at the European contest," Thomas told 4BR.

"We are fully committed to the European ideal and after the success of Linz we wanted to support the event in Montreux, but we couldn’t do it. We wish all the competitors well and we hope to see them all again in Rotterdam in 2012."

The European Championships in Linz left a great legacy and we are now building on that for the future of brass banding in AustriaThomas Beiganz

Huge undertaking

In the meantime Thomas has been working hard with representatives in South Africa to ensure the tour there goes smoothly.

"It’s a huge undertaking for us, but one we are looking forward to. The logistics of getting the band to South Africa from Austria are huge, but we are all sure it will be a trip to remember."

Top form

The band’s musical repertoire has already been put in place, and with three preparation concerts Thomas believes the band will be in tip top form from the moment they touch down in Cape Town.

"We will undertake three concerts in Austria before we leave, and then give another three concerts in Cape Town at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, at the University of Stellenbosch and finally at Gala Concert in Newlands," he added.

New audience

Thomas believes the band will thrill a new audience to brass banding, and as such they have picked a programme to showcase all their considerable talents.

"We will play a real variety of music – from Mozart to John Williams, with all our brilliant soloists having the opportunity to show off. We want to blow a brass band wind change through the country!" he said.

Talents

That will mean the likes of Hans Gansch, Lito Fontana, Harald Baumgartner and vocalist Regina Mallinger being featured, whilst the rest of the band will be certain to showcase all their talents under the direction of Hannes Buchegger.

Busy year ahead

And although the band will not be taking part in Montreux, they have a busy calendar of events already in place for the rest of the year, as Thomas revealed.

"We have a lot of exciting projects to look forward to. We will be involved with the development of the Upper Austrian Youth Brass Band and the brand new Upper Austrian Junior Brass Band.

The European Championships in Linz left a great legacy and we are now building on that for the future of brass banding in Austria."