*
banner

De Boer set for Open

The composer of this year's British Open test piece will be in the audience at Symphony Hall to enjoy the performances of his work.

Ed de Boer
 

The organisers of the 162nd British Open Championship, which takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on the weekend, have announced that the composer of this year’s set-work, Ed de Boer, has accepted the invitation to attend the competition.

Welcome

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted to welcome Ed de Boer and his family to Birmingham to hear seventeen of the best bands in the world perform his wonderful test piece.

We also look forward to welcoming old and new friends to Symphony Hall on what promises to be a great day and we wish all the competing bands the very best of luck on Saturday."

Study scores

Study scores of ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’, produced by Kirklees Music will be available on the day, whilst early morning musical entertainment will be provided by Birmingham Citadel Salvation Army Band in the main foyer starting at 8.45am.

The organisers have also announced that Frank Renton and Terry Carter from BBC Radio 2 will be in attendance to record the contest day as well as the ‘Brass on Sunday’ Gala concert featuring Black Dyke, Cory and Foden’s for ‘Listen to the Band’.

We are delighted to welcome Ed de Boer and his family to Birmingham to hear seventeen of the best bands in the world perform his wonderful test pieceBritish Open spokespeson

Radio highlights

Highlights of the winning performance will be broadcast on Thursday 11th September whilst the concert is due to be featured on the 18th and 25th.

The 163rd British Open will take place on Saturday 5th September 2015.

Further information on the British Open can be found at the following link: http:www.thebritishopen.net/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


Adams

Trombone stars add to Adams artist line-up

March 28 • Tom Challinor and Jonathan Pippen have become Adams Artists.


Welcome

Warm welcome for Lawson at Welsh champion

March 28 • It's a been a long journey to get to his first rehearsal for Kyle Lawson at Cory — and its straight into concert action too.


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 5 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd