The second edition of the Brass Band Willebroek Solo Contest has been hailed as a great success following the event recently held at the town's Municipal Theatre.

62 participants from eight different countries competed in two halls, with a generous sponsorship prize fund over 5,000 Euros split between the four categories of competition.

High standard

The overall standard was very high, with jury members Vincent Lepape, Bert Van Thienen, Robbert Vos (NL) and Tom Hutchinson speaking in admiration about the quality of performances heard.

Tom later said: "It was a great pleasure to have been invited to adjudicate and we all agreed that the standard of performances was extremely high and far exceeded expectations.

The overall winners of each category not only excelled in technique but also musicality. The event was so well organised and supported and now holds an important place on the brass banding calendar."

Blue Riband winner

First prize in the Blue Riband over 19 years of age event went to Jonas Violet, who gave a superb rendition of 'Pulcinella' by Philip Sparke. Jonas received the first prize of 1,000 Euros donated by Lemca Musical Instruments, the Frans Violet Trophy and an invitation to perform as a soloist with Brass Band Willebroek.

In the 16 to 18 year old category it was Jose Guilherme who took the honours, with Sebastian Aerts and Jisse Kuipers winning the 13 to 15 year old and up to 12 years of age categories respectively.

Results:
Up to and including 12 years old:

1. Jisse Kuipers: 98
2. Leonore Dobbelaere: 93
3. Olivia Van Driessche: 91

13 to 15 years old:

1. Sebastian Aerts: 93
2. Loranne Van Laenen: 92
3. Gaspard Dufort: 90

16 to 18 years old:

1. José Guilherme Neves: 96
2. Jan Van de Watering: 94
3. Simon Binon: 93

19 years old and over:

1. Jonas Violet: 95
2. Tom De Laet: 94
3. Mathias Vleugels: 93