*
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    


Oldroyd

Marshall takes Oldroyd ambassador role

February 12 • Richard Marshall has become a Musical Instruments Ambassador for Oldroyd Musical Instruments Ltd.


media

Media boost for Welsh banding

February 12 • There is a welcome return of the popular 'Brass Band Notes' column in five regional newspaper titles in Wales.


Brighouse

Brighouse set for march and hymn tune celebration

February 11 • The British Open champion will celebrate the heritage of iconic marches and hymns in the first of their annual Huddersfield concerts.


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: Anno 1920 (Philip Harper)

February 11 • The fantastic concert opener played by Cory Band is now available for your band to perform.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Thornton Cleveleys Band

February 10 • MD POSITION AVAILABLE AFTER NW AREA CONTEST.. A full and happy band awaits. Currently 3rd section. Confirmed entry to Fleetwood Contest. . Based in the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde area.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd