Lyngby-Taarbaek Band has continued its run of good Danish form by retaining the Aalborg Music Festival title.

Led by Michael Thomsen they beat off the challenge of rivals Langgaard Brass and Silkeborg Blaeserne with a strongly delivered 30 minute set, which included their prize-winning march, 'Mephistopheles' and set-work 'Lux Aeterna', the cornet solo 'Song & Dance' played by principal cornet Mikkel Amsinck and 'Glorifco Aeternum' by Dean Jones.

National sights

Band spokesperson, Lars Haedersdal told 4BR that the victory sets the band for the rest of the year with eyes firmly set on regaining the National title in November.

"It was a very good victory for us — and our second in a row at an excellent contest. We are building very well under Michael Thomsen's direction and we are determined to regain the National Championship title later in the year.

This has given us a great boost and also keeps our lips in trim for our three hours of paying at the forthcoming Prime Minister's Open Day event!"

Grown

The Festival has grown in popularity since it was started in 2008, thanks to the excellent organisational work undertaken by event founder Henrik Juul-Brinkmann.

This year the guest band for the gala concert was the 2017 Champion Band of Great Britain, Brighouse & Rastrick, whose players, including conductor David Thornton adjudicated the various sections of competition.

Henrik told 4BR: "This was another wonderful event, and we are very proud to be able spread our musical activities out of Denmark and to the rest of the banding world. That is the purpose of the festival — to provide opportunities for bands to perform and enjoy their music making."

Norwegian success

In the A Section there was a win for Oster Brass, as the current Norwegian Second Division National champion led by Eikanger Bjorsvik principal cornet David Morton gained victory over defending champion Dania Brass with FDF Frederikshavn Brass in third.

Meanwhile, there was local delight in the B Section as Aalborg Postorkester claimed the honours — giving Henrik Juul-Brinkmann his fifth title. Near rivals Aalborg Garden, also conducted by Henrik was runner-up with Aalborg Brass in third.

It was certainly a good weekend for Henrik as he also led Brovst Pigegarde to victory in the C Sectiont, ahead of Morso Garden and FDF Frederikshavn Junior Talent Band. However, the contest marked the final appearance of Vesthimmerlands Ungdoms Brass Band, who have participated at the festival since its inception in 2008.

Special bond

Henrik told 4BR: "The band has participated every year and have become great friends. There is a very special bond between them and Aalborg Music Festival and we are sad that they are now stopping playing."

With the competitions out of the way, it was the turn of Brighouse & Rastrick to give a fine Gala Concert to a packed audience before the announcement of the results, whilst the following day the Yorkshire band teamed up with reigning Danish champion Concord Brass Band for a concert performance in Copenhagen.

We are building very well under Michael Thomsen's direction and we are determined to regain the National Championship title later in the yearBand spokesperson, Lars Haedersdal

Results:

Open Section:

Adjudicators: David Thornton

1. Lyngby-Taarbaek Band (Michael Thomsen) — 95
2. Langgaard Brass (Huw Thomas) — 94
3. Silkeborg Blæserne (Huw Thomas) — 92
4. Nordvestjysk Brass (Boris Ketsman) — 91

Best March: Mephistopheles (Lyngby-Taarbaek Band)
Best Soloist: Tage Hansen (Langgaard Brass) — Carnival of Venice

A Section:

1. Oster Brass (David Morton) — 89
2. Dania Brass Band (Henrik Lutzen) — 87
3. FDF Frederikshavn Brass (Anders Larsen) — 86

Best March: Simoraine (Oster Brass)
Best Soloist: Michael Raebild Hojen Jensen (FDF Frederikshavn Bras Band) — Dream of the Return

B Section:

1. Aalborg Postorkester (Henrik Juul-Brinkmann) — 78
2. Aalborg Garden (Henrik Juul-Brinkmann) — 76
3. Aalborg Brass Band (Huw Thomas) — 75
4. Greve Pigegarde (Mathias Snejbjerg) — 73

Best March: Punchinello (Aalborg Brass Band)
Best Soloist: Christine Lee (Aalborg Garden) — Georgia On My Mind

C Section:

1. Brovst Pigegarde (Henrik Juul-Brinkmann) — 68
2. Morso Garden (N/K) — 66
3. FDF Frederikshavn Junior Talent Band (Michelle Knudsen) — 65
4. Vesthimmerland Ungdoms Brass Band (Marie Bak) — 64
5. Greve Pigegarde Junior Orkester (Mathias Snejberg) — 62

Best March: Hey Look Me Over (Morso Garden)
Best Soloist: Baritone (Brovst Pigegarde)
Bobler Prize: FDF Frederikshavn Junior Talent Band

Brighouse & Rastrick Band Award: Jonas Terp (soprano cornet) & FDF Frederikshavn Brass Band
Herbert Moller Prize: Anne Mette Tilsted Hansen