*
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    


Festival

Elgar International Festival of Brass set for major features

June 4 • There will be host of major compositions featured in a packed day of brass in Birmingham this weekend from elite ands and performers.


Conway

Conway ends his way at Diggle

June 4 • Diggle Band wishes MD Sean Conway every happiness after he decides to call time on his four year tenure.


Cory

New Euph addition at Cory

June 4 • Welsh champion adds to its euphonium section with latest signing.


BBCA

BBCA Conducting semi-finalists confirmed

June 4 • 10 conductors will head to Halifax to work with Hammonds and Elland Silver Bands to try and win the BCCA Conducting Competition title.


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Ascot Brass - Vanguard Quartet from "Royal Harmonics"

Saturday 6 June • St Michael and All Angels Church St Michaels Green, Grenfell Road Beaconsfield HP9 2BP


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

June 4 • BACK ROW CORNET 2nd/3rd cornet. . NEMBBA contest entered for 15 November. LBBA contest entered for 22 November. . Concert schedule planned in advance. Planned breaks .


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

June 4 • Percussion - Kit Vacancy (with options to support tuned percussion). Full Mapex Kit & full Pearl kit available . . Hardware available, but appreciate you might want to use your own sticks!. . NEMBBA contest entered 15 November. LBBA contest entered 22 November


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

June 4 • PRINCIPAL CORNET (Due to retirement). . NEMBBA contest entered for 15 November. LBBA contest entered for 22 November. . Concert schedule planned in advance. Planned breaks . Solos & features welcome .


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd