*
banner

World Championship title up for grabs in Kerkrade

The World Music Championship title is set to be won in Kerkrade this weekend.

kERKRADE
  There is a strong field of bands wanting to claim World Champion titles in Kerkrade this weekend

4BR will be heading back to Holland this weekend to enjoy the action at the 2017 World Music Championships in Kerkrade.

The brass band contests take place on Saturday and Sunday, with defending Championship Division champion Manger Musikklag y hoping to retain their title for another four year span under the direction of Allan Withington.

Defending champion

The Norwegians are faced by a small, but highly class field of rivals, with Carlton Main Frickley making an emotional return to the event that was formed following their visits to Kerkrade in the immediate post- Second World War years, and the National Band of New Zealand making the mammoth trip hoping to emulate the rugby playing counterparts by also becoming World Champions.

Also competing are Brass Band Treize Etoiles from Switzerland, as well as the Belgian contingent of Brass Band Buizingen, Brass Band Heist and Brass Band Willebroek. Home hopes rest with Amsterdam Brass, De Waldsang and Brass Band Schoonhoven.

Set work

The top section set-work on the Saturday will feature a new commission from the pen of Oliver Waespi, entitled 'Tracing Time', whilst the bands must also perform a concert set on the Sunday.

WMC organisation, Jappie Dijkstra told 4BR that there will be no less than 37 premieres of new works including other major new works by Peter Graham and Ed de Boer.

The top section set-work on the Saturday will feature a new commission from the pen of Oliver Waespi, entitled 'Tracing Time', whilst the bands must also perform a concert set on the Sunday4BR

Championship Division:


Set Test: Tracing Time (Oliver Waespi)
Adjudicators:
Set Work: Edward Gregson, Rob Goorhuis, Michael Bach
Concert Programme: Edward Gregson, Jan de Haan, Karl Ole Midtbo

Amsterdam Brass
Brass Band Buizingen
Brass Band Heist
Brass Band Schoonhoven
Brass Band Treize Etoiles
Brass Band De Waldsang
Brass Band Willebroek
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
Manger Musikklag
National Band of New Zealand

First Division:


Set Work: Dances and Arias (Edward Gregson)
Adjudicators: Jan de Haan, Oliver Waespi (CH), Karl Ole Midtbo

Brass Band Bacchus
Brass Band Emmental
Brass Band Excelsior Kloetinge
Brass Band Kunst naar Kracht
Brass Band Merum
Brass Band Oefening en Uitspanning
Brass Band Pro Rege
Brass Band Sachsen
Cologne Concert Brass
Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus
Spijkerpakkenband


Second Division:


Set Work: Purcell Variations (Kenneth Downie)
Adjudicators: Kevin Houben (BE), Hannes Buchegger (A), Ray Farr (UK)

Badische Brass Band
Brass Band Konkordia Busserach
Brass Band Hombeek
Brass Band Gent
Christelijke Brass Band Gloria Dei
CMV Euphonia
Martini Brass Band Groningen
Schoonhoven B


Third Division:


Set Work: Introduction and Variations on Dies Irae (Jan de Haan)
Adjudicators: Kevin Houben, Hannes Buchegger, Ray Farr

Brass Band Aukstyn
Christelijke Brass Band De Nije Bazún
Gereformeerde Brass Band Groningen
Greidebrass
KMFL Brass Band Lembeek

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    


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

January 13 • More great music to enjoy from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.


Peter Moore

Moore spotlight in Birmingham, Barcelona and London

January 12 • Peter Moore will be joining forces with various friends and ensembles for a busy January series of performances — including an exciting Trivergence of troms.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd