Brass Band Schoonhoven sent a signal of intent to their rivals at the forthcoming European Championships in Rotterdam, as they clinched the Flemish Open in commanding style in Mechelen on the weekend.

Boost

Conducted by Erik Janssen, the Dutch champions beat off a strong quartet of Belgian and German challengers to provide themselves with a timely boost of confidence ahead of their appearance at the De Doelen Hall in May.

Their 30 minute programme included the short set work, ‘Flashlight’ by Jan Van der Roost, ‘Hymn for Diana’’ by Joseph Turin, and their own choice selection of Oliver Waespi’s demanding, ‘Audivi Media Nocte’.

It proved enough pip a high class Brass Band Buizingen into second place, with former European champion Brass Band Willebroek in third.

Marker

Buizingen had early set a demanding marker to beat under the direction of Luc Vertommen, as they delivered a set that included a thrilling performance of Nigel Clarke’s breathtaking own choice work, ‘When World’s Collide’, inspired by the B movie science fiction films of the 1950s.

Meanwhile, Willebroek showed that they continue to rebuild with growing confidence as Frans Violet led them to a podium finish helped by a solid performance of their own choice selection of ‘Music of the Spheres’.

The adjudication team of Jan Van der Roost, Ian Porthouse and Blaise Héritier was very impressed by the overall standard of playing on show –and not just in the Championship Section event either.

High class playing

"There was plenty of high class playing all weekend," Ian Porthouse told 4BR.

"The Championship Section was excellent, with a number of quality performances and some great choices of music. The winners were outstanding – and so well directed.

We really admired the musical approach and the technical execution throughout the entire 30 minute programme. They were pushed all the way though by a number of fine performances on the day."

The winners received the first prize of a Besson Prestige tenor horn from the organisers.

The Championship Section was excellent, with a number of quality performances and some great choices of music. The winners were outstanding – and so well directedAdjudicator, Ian Porthouse

Clear cut victory

In the B Section, a clear cut victory was claimed by local favourites Brass Band Bacchus conducted by Bart Van Neyghem, ahead of the Netherland’s duo Delta Brass Zeeland, with Brass Band David Zwolle in third.

Their winning programme included the short set work, ‘Prelude to a Hero’ by Joop van Dijk, as well as the own choice selection of ‘Concerto for Band’ by John Golland and the euphonium solo ‘Caprice’ by Ray Woodfield.

Emerging talent

The C Section title went to the emerging talents of Young Brass Band Willebroek, under conductor Guy Audenaert.

They managed to repel the strong challenge of Brass Band Schoonhoven B, who narrowly failed to make it a Flemish‘Double’ triumph to go with their senior counterparts, under the baton of Robbert Vos. Brass Band Panta Rhei was third.

The winner’s featured the brilliant young Violet brothers of Lode and Jonas, in a work written by composer Roger Deronge entitled, ‘Two Violets’, as well as the set work, ‘Prelude and Choral’ by Stijn Roels and their own choice selections of ‘Kenilworth’, ‘Light Fantastic’ by Paul Lovatt-Cooper and ‘Shepherd’s Song’ by Goff Richards.

Cracking performances

Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "There was some cracking performances and real quality solo playing on show in each of the lower sections. The winners in each contest were very good indeed, with the others not that far behind. There was real strength in depth here – it was very impressive."

He also added: "There was a very good atmosphere about the whole weekend. The bands had certainly worked hard and had given their programmes a great deal of thought. The organisation was first class and this is a contest that deserves to grow and be supported."

Honours

Brassband St Cecilia Leest took the D Section honours under Walter Van de Venne with a set that included the test piece, ‘Fanfare for a Festival’ by Peter Meechan, as well as ‘Hymn for Diana’, ‘Milestone’ by William Himes and ‘Penlee’ by Simon Dobson.

Success

According to the event organisers, despite some withdrawals the event proved to be an overwhelming success.

Johan Verlinden told 4BR: "We did have some bands withdraw, but we were still very happy with the outcome. We had a very good response from the competing bands and excellent support from our audience.

The excellent overall standard of playing was remarked on by the adjudicators too, so we overall it was a very good contest."

Full Results:

A Section:
Adjudicators: Jan Van der Roost, Ian Porthouse and Blaise Héritier

1. Brassband Schoonhoven A (Erik Janssen) = 97
2. Brassband Buizingen (Luc Vertommen) = 95.7
3. Brassband Willebroek (Frans Violet) = 93.7
4. Brassband Rijnmond (Anno Appelo) = 92
5. 3BA Concert Band (Franz Matysiak) = 89

B Section:
Adjudicators: Jan Van der Roost, Ian Porthouse and Blaise Héritier

1. Brassband Bacchus (Bart Van Neyghem) = 92
2. Delta Brass Zeeland (Arie Stolk) = 87.5
3. Brassband David Zwolle (John Blanken) = 83.3

C Section:
Adjudicators: Jan Van der Roost, Ian Porthouse and Blaise Héritier

1. Young Brassband Willebroek (Guy Audenaert) = 88.3
2. Brassband Schoonhoven B (Robbert Vos) = 87
3. Brassband Panta Rhei (Paul Voet) = 86.7
4. Mons St Georges Brassband (Thierry Descamps) = 79%

D Section:
Adjudicators: Jan Van der Roost, Ian Porthouse and Blaise Héritier

1. Brassband St Cecilia Leest (Walter Van de Venne) = 90
2. Brassband Vlimmeren (Yvonne Peters) = 86
3. Brassband Lembeek (Hans Goris) = 85
4. Koperensemble Bravoer (Roger Derongé) = 82.7
5. Brassband Düren (Martin Schädlich) = 81.7