4BR has just arrived in the wonderful town of Ascoli Piceno for the inaugural Italian National Brass Band Championship.

The event itself will take place at the equally beautiful Teatro Ventidio Basso — the type of classical opera house venue that melts your heart with its grandeur.

Dedicated brass band lovers

Three bands will take part in the inaugural event which has come about through the amazing work of a number of dedicated brass band lovers led by the great Lito Fontana.

The three bands that will participate in the first ever National Championship on Saturday afternoon are Brassband Family from Frosinone, Italian Brass Band from Rome and Brass Band Uberetsch from Bolzano.

They will play two own-choice works for judges Vincent Baroni and Hannes Buchegger to adjudicate.

Looking forward

Lito Fontana, President of the Italian Federation (La neonata Associazione Italiana Brass Bands — AIBB) told 4BR: "We are really looking forward to this competition although it is hard to organise this event, looking at the current situation Italy is facing — and with earthquake tremors in the region in the last week.

We are very glad to start this weekend with the first National contest and hope to give a positive impulse to the Italian Brass Band movement."

Gala Concert

This historic contest day will also enjoy a fantastic Gala Concert given by the Swiss brass band Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia conducted by Vincent Baroni.

We are very glad to start this weekend with the first National contest and hope to give a positive impulse to the Italian Brass Band movementLito Fontana

EBBA support

EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg stated: "For the European brass band family it is very encouraging to see the development of a growing Italian brass band movement. Having the first Italian championships is an important milestone for this.

I am looking very much forward to attend the championships and listen to the increasing quality among Italian bands and experience the famous Italian hospitality."

Coverage

4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Goldy Solutions photographer Ian Clowes drove from Rome this afternoon to make it in time for the historic event and will bring you a full news report, interviews and plenty of great images of what promises to be a fantastic occasion.