*
banner

French Open maintains attraction

The 26th French Open Championships will take place in the wonderful Loire Valley town of Amboise next month.

Amboise
  The historic chateau provides the atmospheric backdrop to the whole event

The 26th French Open Championships will once again take place over the weekend of the 3rd-5th June in the historic Loire Valley town of Amboise.

It sees the return of the event which last took place in 2019, with nine bands competing for the prizes in four sections.

The competitors must all perform a varied entertainment programme, which includes the set test-piece.

Competitive elements

In addition they also take part in a Whit Friday style march competition on the Saturday morning in front of the historic Chateau d' Amboise. The adjudicators this year are President of the Jury, Chris Jeans (UK), Luc Vertommen and Roger Webster. The march competition will be judged by Peter Collins, who will also adjudicate the outside entertainment performances in the afternoon.

The weekend commences on Friday evening with a welcoming ceremony for all the bands at the Chateau d'Amboise, where the draw will take place following a mini concert performed by the Amersfoort Band.

Gala Concert

On Saturday the main competition will take place in the Beaumarchais Theatre alongside the march event in Michel Debre Place. In the afternoon all the bands will perform their outside entertainment programmes.

The competitive elements will be rounded off with a Gala Concert on Saturday evening which will feature Paris Band before the announcement of the results.

On Sunday a festival of brass will take place in front of the Chateau d' Amboise performed by Brass Band Atout Vent conducted by William Houssoy.

Championship Section:


Set Work: Dynasty (Peter Graham)
Adjudicators: Chris Jeans, Luc Vertommen, Roger Webster

Paris Brass Band (Laurent Douvre)
Exo Brass (Mathias Charton)

First Section:


Set Work: The Land of the Long White Cloud (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Chris Jeans, Luc Vertommen, Roger Webster

Brass Band Atout Vent (William Houssoy)
Amersfoort (Vincent Verhaege)

Third Section:


Set Work: Napoleon on the Alps (Philip Harper)
Adjudicators: Chris Jeans, Luc Vertommen, Roger Webster

Brass Band Berry (Oliver Bougain)
Brass Band De La Vienne (Mathias Charton)
Cadences Brass (Nicolas Biget)

Fourth Section:


Set Work: Saint-Saens Variations (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Chris Jeans, Luc Vertommen, Roger Webster

London City Brass (Andrew Brittin)
Brass Band Oceane (Pascal Piedefer)

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    


Amersham

Jackson joins Amersham for free swing in London

October 24 • If you are anywhere near Regent Hall in London this evening and want to enjoy a free night of swing and big band bangers then make sure you get along...


Marshall

Marshall to step down as principal cornet at Black Dyke Band

October 24 • Richard Marshall's outstanding 20 year tenure as principal cornet of Black Dyke Band will come to an end later this year.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section West of England Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd