The fourth edition of the Willebroek Solo Contest recently took place at the Schouwburg Willebroek and GO! Academie, where 58 competitors from across Europe contributed to a fine day of competitive action enjoyed by the audience and judges Steven Mead, Jan Van der Roost, Simon Van Hoecke, and Ben Haemhouts.

Most enjoyable

Speaking about the event Steven said: "It really was the most enjoyable event. It was expertly organised and generously supported.

The standard was excellent with the judges agreeing that there was some truly outstanding playing from the prize winners in particular.

Congratulations should go to all the participants and Brass Band Willebroek and the superb piano accompanists who supported all the soloists so well."

Outstanding

Spanish euphonium player Ibai de Miguel, who studies at the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam claimed the Blue Riband '19 Years and Over' top prize of 1000 Euros, and Frans Violet Trophy with his outstanding rendition of the first movement of the Philip Wilby Euphonium Concerto.

He will now perform as a guest soloist with Brass Band Willebroek in a future concert.

Robert Ernest, the principal cornet of Provinciale Brass Band Groningen in The Netherlands was second playing 'Fortune's Fool', with Emile Berret of CNSMD of Lyon in third performing 'Lambonium 235'.

Fine rendition

In the 16 to 18 Years of age category victory went to Belgian player Jan Van de Watering who studies at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag with his fine rendition of 'Sonata' by Stjepan Sulek.

He finished ahead of Florian Krogsaeter from Molde Band in Norway who performed 'Variations on a Welsh Theme', and Fons Dobbelaere who performed 'Three Miniatures'.

Jan won 400 Euros plaus the Jan Segers Trophy and a new work to be commissioned for him by composer Stijn Aertgeerts.

Clean sweep

There was a Belgian clean sweep in the 13 to 15 Years of age category as Martijn Vandenbossche from the Academie Haspengouw took the honours with his performance of 'Rhapsody' by Andrew Waignein ahead of Elodie Dobbelaere and Jakob Degryse.

He won the Stef Pillaert Trophy, 200 Euros and the opportunity to be a soloist with Young Brass Band Willebroek at a future event.

Encouraging

There was also a great deal of encouraging playing on display in the up to 12 Years of age category with 14 super competitors giving the judges plenty to think about.

In the end the 100 Euro first prize and Jaak Kuterna Trophy went to Hannah Vanclooster from the Go! Academie Willebroek and KFR Humbeek with a fine account of 'Silver Threads Amongst the Gold'.

They pipped Noe Loeurng who played 'Pleasure' by Brechtd'Heere and Leon Van Driessche who performed 'El Cid'.

Reflecting on the success of the event, lead organiser Lode Violet told 4BR: "We would like to extend our thanks to our generous sponsors and to CU Brass for providing live coverage and photography. The day was a remarkable success, reinforcing Willebroek Solo Contest's reputation as a prestigious event for emerging brass talent."

The standard was excellent with the judges agreeing that there was some truly outstanding playing from the prize winners in particularSteven Mead

Results:
19 Years and Over:

1. Ibai de Miguel: 96
2. Robert Ernest: 95
3. Emile Berret: 94

16 to 18 years old:

1. Jan Van de Watering: 95
2. Florian Krogsæter: 93.5
3. Fons Dobbelaere: 92

13 to 15 years old:

1. Martijn Vandenbossche: 93
2. Elodie Dobbelaere: 92
3. Jakob Degryse: 91

Up to and including 12 years old:

1. Hannah Vanclooster: 91
2. Noe Loeurng: 90
3. Leon Van Driessche: 87