Valaisia Band's contesting winning DNA was displayed in full as they claimed the 50th Swiss National title in Lucerne.
The defending champion's ninth victory (all under MD Arsene Duc) was intertwined in a helix of technical brilliance and engrossing musicality — first on the set-work, 'Genetic Code' by Thomas Doss, followed by their own-choice of 'Mnemosyne Phrases' by Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen.
In topping both elements of the contest — the first time anyone has done it since 2016 — they not only lifted the National Trophy once again in triumph at the KKL Hall, but also secured the honour of representing the nation at the 2026 European Championships in Linz.
Twisted mix
The band's familiarity with the music of Thomas Doss (having played 'This World' as their own-choice in 2024) ensured they captured its twisted mix of the fantastic and fantastical without it ever becoming the stuff of sci-fi unbelievability — the thematic material superbly focussed in its exotic variant forms (including funk, Mahleresque chorales, lander waltzes and klezmer trombone).
However, it was the less familiar sound-world of the Norwegian that arguably left the more telling impression on the audience and judges alike in what was a stunning exploration of thoughtfulness, atmosphere and emotion inspired by the seven muses of Greek mythology.
Different realm
It was a composition of an entirely different realm, although through playing that also captured its essential DNA. Multi-layered and complex in both dense and sparse texture, the scored dynamics were subtly calibrated, solo interventions integral to the expression of the writing, the lineal development unbroken and organic.
There was no camouflage or musical sleight of hand, just meaningful music making. At its close the audience were stunned into silence before applause that spoke volumes in itself.
It endorsed what was a deserved victory, and one that may also have heralded a subtle shift in contest winning thought processes here, from extrovert to more introvert musical expressionism.
Impressive rivals
Although Valaisia has been the dominant national title force since 2015, once again substantial strands of title winning excellence were revealed by rivals over the two days at the KKL Hall.
2023 winner Brass Band Treize Etoile and the remarkably consistent Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern ended the shortest of heads behind on the podium — one which saw the trio placed in order in both disciplines for the first time since 2006. That said, there would have been few arguments if either had celebrated victory on Sunday night.
Treize Etoile showcased every element of their technical virtuosity — especially on their own-choice selection, a tweaked version of Ludovic Neurohr's 'Dear Cassandra...', which was highlighted by the stunning 'Best Soloist' contribution of soprano star Jeremy Coquoz.
Inkling
Supporters may have had more than an inkling of hope that Frederic Theodoloz's band had regained the title after it was announced that Anthony Rausis had also picked up the 'Best Flugel' accolade on the set-work. However, unlike the prophesies of Cassandra, it did not turn out to be true, although it was a close-run thing.
Meanwhile, Luzern couldn't have done anything more after two late draw performances ensured the audience were left in a state of electrified excitement — notably with their own-choice of 'Enginery of Genesis', an intricately constructed piece of contemporary writing cloaked in a filmatic sheen of musical presentation.
A seventh successive podium finish came very close to being a first title success since 2013.
No also-rans
Although this was the sixth time in the last seven contests that the same top-three battled neck and neck for the title, other rivals also showed that they were no mere 'also-rans'.
The impressive Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisian (runner-up in 2024) displayed their growing aspirations with a thoroughly deserved fourth place built on high class consistency and confidence, whilst Oberaargauer posted their best result since 2017 in coming fifth. Brass Band Berner Oberland secured a third consecutive top sixth finish just behind them.
Not packed
The high quality of the remaining bands was closely matched (although a significant margin behind), although it was noticeable that the hall, unlike in recent years, was not packed for every own-choice performance.
The DNA of this contest has been built on exponential levels of technical excellence and excitement, but perhaps the excess (especially dynamically) has reached its limit even in such an acoustically accommodating hall.
And, as exciting as the new own-choice commissions have been (there were four this year and one revised) — many have left little more than a sugar-rush impression on the mind.
The return to the vast expanse of the Stravinsky Hall in Montreux in 2026 may not immediately change that, but it would be good if Valaisia's victory could at least inspire others to look at more considered elements of own-choice test-piece selections.
From Shakespeare to Swiss Unity
The landmark 50th anniversary event saw the Swiss Brass Band Association commission six new test-piece compositions.
In addition to 'Genetic Code' came works by Bert Appermont, Philip Sparke, Simon Dobson and Thierry Deleruyelle. It was interesting to note that Philip Wilby's 'Arden Forest', used for the Elite Division was also considered as the Championship Section set-work. It would have made for a hugely engaging test.
Inspired by Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', it was a musical play of eight, tightly scripted scenes of characterisation and atmosphere, moonlit mystery and magic, wit, passion, drama and triumphant end. Wilby's stunning highlights version told the complete tale without needless padding — including a star turn trombone as 'Bottom' the donkey in duet with the sweet natured flugel Queen.
The Swiss tackled it with gusto, although the more subtle musical inferences were never quite fully mastered.
Talents triumph
In the end the vibrancy of youth won through, as local favourites BML Talents led by Patrick Ottiger claimed the title after coming runner-up in the past two years. Not even a points deduction for exceeding the prescribed time limit could deny them.
The acclaim as the final note rang out could be heard by people enjoying the Christmas Fayre outside the hall.
It meant that the impressive defending champion Brass Band Emmental had be content with second place, although their 'Best Trombone' Alexander Ladrach gave a wonderful scene stealing appearance as 'Bottom'.
There was also a stunning solo contribution from the young principal cornet Simon Gabriel of Graudunden Brass as they ended third, whilst the high standard continued through the results list, with the top-six completed by accomplished renditions from mgrr Brass, Brass Band Rickenbach and Regional Brass Band Bern.
First Section:
Keeny fought battles were to be heard in the Luzerner Salle auditorium throughout the weekend, where the First Section title was claimed by Brass Band Kirchenmusik Fluhli conducted by Simon Gertschen.
After being relegated from the Elite Section last year, they immediately imposed their quality (with prize winning percussion) to gain promotion alongside runner-up Brass Band Thurgau who claimed their fourth podium finish since 2021.
Both neatly judged renditions of 'La Geometrica' by Bert Appermont, were, according to the judges, ones that captured the distinctive rhythmic mood and character implied by the trio of movement shapes of a square, circle, and triangle before being brought together for its finale.
A solid Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg was third, with the remaining top-six places filled by Brass Band Fribourg B, Brass Band MG Reiden and Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus.
Second Section:
The overall strength of Swiss banding was shown in the Second Section with sixteen well-matched bands who enjoyed the innate craftsmanship of Philip Sparke's 'Lucerne Dances'.
The seamless triptych was expertly pitched to test the technical and expressive talents of contenders — the best coming from the excellent MG Konkordia Aedermansdorf led by Rafael Camartin to secure their first ever National title. The outstanding Benjamin Meister deservedly took the 'Best Solo Cornet' award.
Just a point behind came Musik Frohsinn Oberburg, as the defending champion just missed out on holding on to the honours under Jan Muller, whilst the final spot went to Liberty Brass Band Junior who showed that they will be an ensemble to watch out for at the European Youth Championships in Linz next year.
There was little to choose between conductor Boris Oppliger's Brass Band Rapperswill-Wierezwil and Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt separated by a hairsbreadth in fourth and fifth, with Brass Band Abinchova claiming a third consecutive top-six finish.
Third Section:
Although there were only five contenders in the Third Section, it proved to a thoroughly engaging opening to the weekend thanks to Simon Dobson's creative 'Thought Gap' set-work.
Based on three simple fragments that came to him one night sat at his piano, this was no 'Lost Chord', but a trio of explorations based on the elements of darkness, lucidity and light — the result an inventive gem splendidly evoked by each band.
The best came from MG Ufhusen who secured their first National title under Sandro Frautschi, aided by the contribution of their outstanding 'Best Euphonium' player Raphael Fischer, whilst just behind came Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien B, with defending champion Brass Band Gurbetal in third.
Fourth Section:
Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band secured their first Fourth Section National title since 2017 with a finely judged account (aided by their super 'Best Percussion') of Thierry Deleruytelle's 'Seal of Unity' set-work.
Although inspired by the historic tale of Swiss cantons putting rivalry to one side, on this occasion it led to friendly competitiveness as the five contenders battled for supremacy.
It also led to a quintet of well-directed performances, with 2023 champion Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee and Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt making up a closely matched podium.
Final Lucerne flourish
With the National Championship to return to Montreux in 2026, the Swiss Brass Band Association provided a fitting 50th anniversary farewell to its temporary home in Lucerne with a wonderfully organised event.
The commissioning of new works also emphasised the commitment that continues to fuel the progress of the movement at all levels, the quality of the playing a startling endorsement of the talent that has been developed over the past half a century.
It was therefore fitting that the occasion was marked by the presentation of 'Merit Awards' to the pioneering figures of Markus S Bach, Pascal Eicher, Yves Illi and Geo-Pierre Moren, whose immense contributions to Swiss banding was marked with acclaim equally to that of any newly crowned 2025 Champion.
Iwan Fox
It endorsed what was a deserved victory, and one that may also have heralded a subtle shift in contest winning thought processes here, from extrovert to more introvert musical expressionism4BR
Results:
Excellence Championship Section:
Adjudicators:
Set Work: Chris King, Margie Antrobus, Mathias Wehr
Own Choice: Magnus Brandseth, Frode Rydland, Andrew Duncan
Set Work: Genetic Code (Thomas Doss)
Set Work/Own Choice = Total
1. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc): 1/1 = 2
2. Brass Band Treize Etoiles (Frederoc Theodoloz): 2/2 = 4
3. Brassband Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach): 3/3 = 6
4. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Jean-Francois Bobillier): 4/5 = 9
5. Oberaargauer Brass Band (Roland Froscher): 8/4 = 12
6. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Veronique Gyger): 5/10 = 15*
7. Liberty Brass Band (Stefan Roth): 6/9 = 15
8. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia (Vincent Baroni): 7/8 = 15
9. Brass Band Fribourg (Adrian Schneider): 9/6 = 15
10. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien (Thomas Wyss): 10/8 = 18
*Position on set work takes precedent
Best Flugel Horn: Anthony Rausis (Brass Band Treize Etoiles)
Best Soloist on Own-Choice: Jeremy Coquez (soprano) — Brass Band Treize Etoiles
Elite Section:
Adjudicators: Magnus Brandseth; Frode Rydland; Andrew Duncan
Set Work: Arden Forest (Philip Wilby)
1. BML Talents (Patrick Ottiger): 96**
2. Brass Band Emmental (Jan Muller): 95
3. Graubunden Brass (Gian Stecher): 94
4. mgrr Brass Band (Roman Caprez): 93
5. Brass Band Rickenbach (Florian Lang): 92
6. Regional Brass Band Bern (Philippe Bach): 91
7. Brass Band Cazis (Robin Bartholini): 90
8. Brass Band Eglisau (Andreas Buri): 89
9. Ensemble de cuivres Euphonia (Glenn Van Looy): 88*
10. Brass Band Harmonie Neunkirch (Manuel Imhof): 87*
*Potential relegation to First Section
** 1 point deduction for time infringement
Best Trombone Prize: Alexander Ladrich (Brass Band Emmental)
First Section:
Adjudicators: Chris King; Margie Antrobus; Mathias Wehr
Set Work: La Geometria (Bert Appermont)
1. Brass Band Kirchenmusik Fluhli (Simon Gertschen): 94
2. Brass Band Thurgau (Daniel Gubler): 93
3. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg A (Philipp Werlen): 92
4. Brass Band Fribourg B (Aurelien Darbellay): 91
5. Brass Band MG Reiden (Armin Renggli): 90
6. Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus (Damien Lagger): 89
7. Brass Band Schotz (Ueli Wigger): 88
8. Universal Brass Band Wil (Gian Stecher): 86
9. Constellation Brass Band B (Olivier Vergeres): 85
10. Brass Band Treize Etoiles — Formation B (Lionel Fumeaux): 84
11. Brass Band Lotschental (Yvan Lagger): 83
12. Brass Band Fricktal (Florentin Setz): 82
13. Brass Band RosAlp (David Bonvin): 81
14. Brass Band Konkordia Busserach (Christoph Bangerter): 80
Best Percussion: Brass Band Kirchenmusik Fluhli
Second Section:
Adjudicators: Etienne Mounir; Sandro Blank; Corsin Tuor
Set Work: Lucerne Dances (Philip Sparke)
1. MG Konkordia Aedermannsdorf (Rafael Camartin): 96
2. Musik Frohsinn Oberburg (Jan Muller): 95
3. Liberty Brass Band Junior (Roman Ledergerber): 94
4. Brass Band Rapperswil-Wierezwil (Boris Oppliger): 92
5. Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt (Boris Oppliger): 91
6. Brass Band Abinchova (Daniel Battig): 90
7. Oberwalliser Brassband (Tobias Salzgeber): 89
8. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia B (Bastien Albiez): 88
9. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg B (Daniel Schrenk): 87
10. Musikgesellschaft Oberruti (Jonas Danuser): 86
11. Musikverein Kunten (Stefan Marki): 85
12= Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach (Luca Frischknecht): 84
12= Societe de Musique Brass Band L'Avenir Lignieres (Cyril Perrenoud): 84
14. Brass Band Berner Oberland Junioren (Joram Bots): 83
15. Brass Band Matzendorf (Cyrill Schaub): 82
16. Brass Band Junior Valaisan (Fabien Beney): 80
Best Principal Cornet: Benjamin Meister (MG Konkordia Aedermannsdorf)
Third Section:
Adjudicators: Chris King; Margie Antrobus; Mathias Wehr
Set Work: Thought Gap (Simon Dobson)
1. MG Ufhusen (Sandro Frautschi): 94
2. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien B (Florian Lab): 93
3. Brass Band Gurbetal (Joram Bots): 91
4. MG Brass Band Lengnau (Markus Hauenstein): 90
5. Brass Band Zurich (Werner Kubli): 89
Best Euphonium: Raphael Fischer (MG Ufhusen)
Fourth Section:
Adjudicators: Etienne Mounir; Sandro Blank; Corsin Tuor
Set Work: Seal of Unity (Thierry Deleruyelle)
1. Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band (Timon Jordi): 95
2. Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee (Manuel Imhof): 93
3. Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt-Surental (Joel Spitaleri): 92
4. Brass Band Franches-Montagnes (Bastien Van Schilt): 91
5. Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band (Noah Gutheinz): 90
Best Percussion: Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band
