The 21st French Open Brass Band Championship recently took place in the historic Loire valley city of Amboise.

Over the years the event has established itself as a highly enjoyable mid season contest detour for bands from all over Europe, and this year was no exception, with ensembles drawn from Norway, Switzerland, England, Holland as well as the emerging home nation.

With the sultry weather ensuring wonderful support from the local community, the festival atmosphere sees not only keenly contested competitions at the Beaumarchais Theatre, but also popular open air march and entertainment events as well as the traditional late night gala concert.

Flamboyant

The march contest was won in flamboyant style by Norwegian National champion Stavanger conducted by Allan Withington, with a splendidly vibrant performance of 'The President' — although more a musical homage perhaps to Whit Friday than to the present incumbent of the Elysee Palace.

The open air entertainment prizes went to enjoyable programmes provided by Brass Band Schoonhoven at the Place Michel Debre and Lockwood at Le Chateau, with both bands featuring excellent prize winning soloists.

Contests

The afternoon was given over to the main competitions, with adjudicators Dennis Wilby, Darrol Barry and Erik Janssen looking over the 30 minute programmes of each of the bands.

The emerging top flight strength of French banding was certainly heard with eventual champion, Brass Band Nord Pas de Calais, conducted by Luc Vertommen.

The recent runner-up at the French National Championship in Lille produced a fine set that included an excellent performance of the set work, 'The Torchbearer' by Peter Graham to claim the €1500 first prize.

Also included in their programme was Paul Lovatt Cooper's 'Light Fantastic', the trombone solo 'Brasilia' and part of Peter Graham's latest major test piece composition 'Angels & Demons' which the band premiered at the French Championship.

It proved good enough to repel the strong challenge from Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan from Switzerland, with Stavanger in third.

Swiss win

Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus took the honours in the First Section under the baton of Francois Roh, as the 2013 Swiss First Section National Champion claimed a clear cut victory over French rivals West Brass Band, thanks to a well constructed performance that included the set work, 'Vivat!' by Tom Davoren.

Their set included a wonderful trombone solo from Julian Orsinger on 'Prelude & Scherzo' which deservedly saw him take the 'Outstanding Soloist of the Day' award and a handy 380 Euros.

Dutch title

In the Second Section, the title headed to Holland, as Brass Band Excelsior Ferwert conducted by Herman Sibma.

They beat off the challenge of their Dutch rivals Brass Band Schoonhoven B and the Lockwood Brass from the UK, thanks in part to their excellent rendition of the set work, 'A Salford Sinfonietta' and their closing 'In the Stone, Earth and Fire'.

Late night Stavanger

Although there were only single entrants in both the Third and Fourth Sections, the underlying growth of French banding was heard with excellent performances from both Brass Band Junior Du Pays Bourgueillois and young performers of Brass Band Junior Du CCR De Tours.

The traditional late night entertainment before the announcement of the results was splendidly provided by Stavanger.

The emerging top flight strength of French banding was certainly heard with eventual champion, Brass Band Nord Pas de Calais, conducted by Luc Vertommen4BR

Results

Championship Section:
Judges (all sections): Dennis Wilby, Darrol Barry, Erik Janssen

1. Brass Band Nord Pas de Calais (Luc Vertommen) — 117.00
2. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan ECV (Francois Roh) — 115.71
3. Stavanger (Allan Withington) — 114.66
4. Aldbourne (Josh Ruck) — 114.33
5. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill) — 112.33

First Section:

1. Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus (Francois Roh) — 111.33
2. West Brass Band B (Julien Tessier) — 108.66

Second Section:

1. Brass Band Excelsior Ferwert (Herman Sibma) — 107.33
2. Brass Band Schoonhoven B (Robert Vos) — 106.66
3. Lockwood (John Roberts) — 106.00

Third Section:

1. Brass Band Junior Du Pays Bourgueillois (Michael Auclert) — 103.00

Fourth Section:

1. Brass Band Junior Du CCR De Tours (David Hubert) — 104.00

Best Soloist: Julian Orsinger (trombone) — Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus

March Contest:

1. Stavanger
2. Aldbourne
3. Lockwood
4. Brass Band Nord Pas de Calais
5. Ensemble de Cuivres Valasian
6. East London Brass
7. Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus
8. Brass Band Ferwert
9. West Brass Band
10. Brass Band Schoonhoven B
11. Brass Band Junior Du CCR De Tours
12. Brass Band Junior Du Pays Bourgeillois

Entertainment: Place Michel Debre
Adjudicator: Chris Jeans

Brass Band Schoonhoven B (Robert Vos)

Best Soloist: Euphonium of West Brass Band

Entertainment: Le Chateau
Adjudicator: Rachel Barry

Lockwood (John Roberts)

Best Soloist: Chris Melville (soprano cornet) — East London Brass