A brand new commission from the hugely respected Dutch composer Jan de Haan (above) will test the elite level bands at the 2022 Netherlands National Championships in Utrecht later this year.

Redbad

'Redbad — The King of the Frisians' was originally planned for 2021, but with Covid-19 postponing the 2020 championships, Edward Gregson's 'World Rejoicing' was used instead.

Redbad was the last independent ruler of Frisia from 690 AD to 719 AD, and an important historical figure based in the Utrecht region.

The composer states that the 18-minute work in seven connected sections is written in a "freely accessible idiom"although there are what he calls "high demands"placed upon euphonium, cornet, trombones and Eb tuba.

Jan de Haan was commissioned by the NBK organisers in recognition of his 70th birthday, with a spokesperson stating: "We are very proud to honour Jan de Haan in this way."

James Cook

The First Division bands will be faced by Gilbert Vinter's last major test-piece composition 'James Cook-Circumnavigator'. Originally composed for the 1970 New Zealand National Championships, it was later used at the 1974 British Open and has remained a popular contest work ever since.

Victor Hugo

Daniel Hall's 'Sanctuary!' — inspired by Victor Hugo's novel 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame', will provide the test for the Second Division contenders.

Written in 2018, it was the popular set-work in the Premier Division of the European Youth Championships in Montreux the following year. The title refers to the climax of the novel when Quasimodo saves Esmeralda from death only to forlornly proclaim her safety in the church.

Albinus

A new work that will be performed first at the WMC Contest in Kerkrade this year will test the bands in the Third Division.

'Albinus Variations' by Etienne Crausaz was commissioned for the Third Section of the Kerkrade event, and is inspired by the Lutheran hymns, including ' Alle menschen müssen sterben', which forms the basic thematic material which comprises five contrasting variations following a solemn opening.

Argos

Stephan Hodel's 'Argos', which proved to be a popular success when it was used as the Fourth Section set-work for the Regional Championships in the UK will be tackled by the Fourth Division bands.

Set-works:

Championship Division: Redbad — The King of the Frisians (Jan de Haan)
First Division: James Cook — Circumnavigator (Gilbert Vinter)
Second Division: Sanctuary! (Daniel Hall)
Third Division: Albinus Variations (Etienne Crausaz)
Fourth Division: Argos (Stephan Hodel)