*
banner

Van Looy adds to musical air miles

Glenn Van Looy has been enjoying his musical travels of late — although its back home for the next challenge.

Glenn Van Looy
  The euphonium star has been enjoying his travels

Euphonium star Glenn Van Looy has added to his airmiles in recent weeks, with performances as far afield as Glasgow, Birmingham, Tredegar, London, Luxembourg and Columbia before returning home to Switzerland to perform with Valaisia Band as they seek to claim a seventh successive Swiss National title in Montreux.

Hectic

The Geneva Instruments Development Artist has certainly been enjoying his travels as he told 4BR: "It's been hectic but great fun.

Being able to conduct at the British Open with the cooperative band and help them to a well deserved seventh place finish was a thrill — as was then heading to Tredegar to help them claim a top-six finish at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

The trip to Columbia to be part of the Ill Festival Internacionel de Eufonios Bombardinos with Adam Frey was something else — what an atmosphere and welcome. It was great to add Columbia to the list of countries that is so enthusiastic about the euphonium. The standard of performances was so encouraging."

Switzerland

Now that he is back in Switzerland however, he is concentrating on helping Valaisia retain their National title. "That has been the focus of the band since the European Championships.

The determination to win a seventh time is just as great as our first time and I hope to be able to play a part in them doing just that."

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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd