*
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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd