There was a landmark birthday recently for one of Europe's successful composers.

Johan de Meij, who wrote the 2005 European Championship set-work, 'Extreme Makeover', has just turned 65, and to mark the occasion his works have been celebrated in his home nation of The Netherlands, where he is regarded as one of their most popular composers.

Special concert series

So much so that this weekend there is a concert series entitled, 'Festival Blazen aan het Spui' devoted to his music being held in The Hague.

The final concert on Sunday 9th December will be given by the newly crowned Dutch National Champion, Provinciale Brassband Groningen, who will perform 'Extreme Makeover' conducted by Richard Visser.