With less than 24 hours to go before the first band takes to the stage at Symphony Hall, it seems that the competitors are looking just as much to performing Ed de Boer’s ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’ as the brass bands fans are to hearing it.

Play it well

Every band representative 4BR has contacted has spoken about their delight at the test piece, and their confidence of being able to play it well!

As one MD told 4BR: "It’s a great choice — and one that the audience will enjoy just as much as the players. I’m sure there are going to be a number of superb performances. I’m not surprised there has been such a demand for tickets."

It seems Ed de Boer’s elegant composition has certainly caught the imagination, with a host of very confident bands heading to Birmingham to try and get their hands on the iconic 90 year old trophy.

Last chance

4BR has been informed that there is now less than 100 tickets available for the event, so if you want to enjoy 17 top class bands battling it out for glory then you had better get on the blower fast.

Pre contest performance

Luckily, those who wish to hear the 20 minute work before the big day also have a last chance to get their hands on tickets for the British Bandsman eve of contest concert, presented by reigning champion Tredegar at the Adrian Boult Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire — starting at 7.30pm.

You can still book tickets below or turn up at the door:
http://www.birmingham-box.co.uk/event/tredegar-town-band-in-concert/

It seems Ed de Boer’s elegant composition has certainly caught the imagination, with a host of very confident bands heading to Birmingham to try and get their hands on the iconic 90 year old trophy4BR

Be early

Meanwhile, organisers have also urged supporters to give themselves ample time to get to Symphony Hall this year to ensure the contest can start bang on 10.00am.

"The popularity of last year’s test piece meant a bit of a last minute rush — and this year may well be the same," a spokesperson told 4BR.

"We would ask that people just get the hall a bit earlier this year so that they can get their programmes, study scores and seats in plenty of time for the action to start on time."