*
banner

Festival ending for Verhaert

The musical partnership between conductor Steven Verhaert and former Belgian champion Festival Brass is to come to an end.

Festival Brass BAND
  Steven Verhaert brought considerable success to the Belgian band

The decade long musical partnership between former Belgian National champion Festival Brass and MD Steven Verhaert is to come to an end.

4BR was informed that he has indicated his wish to pass on the artistic leadership to a new generation of conductors. He will make his final contest appearance at the Belgian National Championships in November. Russell Gray will lead the band at the 2025 event.

Belgian champion

It follows a tenure that was crowned with the Belgian National title in 2022, leading to a fine sixth place finish at the 2023 European Championships in Malmo. The band also claimed the 2022 Dutch Open title and was runner-up at the Belgian National Championships in 2019 and 2023 as well as the Flemish Open in April 2024.

Tuba player Guy Audenaert has been appointed Resident Conductor to take over the day-to-day musical direction. 4BR was informed that the band will also seek to work with several developing conductors as well as established professionals as they look forward to a busy schedule of high-profile events.

Broader perspective

Speaking about the new era, a band spokesperson said: "This approach should enable us to gain a broader musical perspective as well as give young conductors the opportunity to work with the band. We are also delighted to link with Russell Gray."

One major project is their performance alongside the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martyn Brabbins of Gavin Higgins' 'Concerto for Brass Band and Orchestra', which will be given at the Koningin Elisabethzaal in Antwerp in January.

The band which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025 will then bid farewell to Steven Verhaert at their annual concert.

We wish to thank Steven from the bottom of our hearts. There are few people in whom both artistic vision and quality and people management skills come together as they do as with StevenFestival Brass Band.

Thanks

The spokesperson added: "We wish to thank Steven from the bottom of our hearts. There are few people in whom both artistic vision and quality and people management skills come together as they do as with Steven.

In that respect, the farewell is not a 'goodbye' as hope to continue to welcome Steven in the future."

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    


Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

April 3 • Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band is on the rise! We're off to Cheltenham for the 3rd year running and will be promoted to the 2nd Section. We need YOU to help us go even further! We play ambitious music under a great conductor and are a very sociable bunch.


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd