*
banner

Live: European B Section

Live comments for the B Section at this year's European Championships from Stavanger.

Stavanger 2008 logo
 

Saturday 3 May
Stavanger Concert Hall
Commences: 0900hrs
Test piece: Cornucopia, Craig Farr

Adjudicators:
Nigel Boddice, Scotland
Armin Bachmann, Switzerland
Arvid Anthun, Norway


Murley Silver Band, Northern Ireland, 4
Conductor: Keith Anderson

An opening with 'Summon the Dragon was followed with the set-test piece 'Cornucopia', each atmospheric but each unfortunately had their troubles and didn't quite come off as a whole.

'Vitae Lux' was full of Norwegian life whilst the euph soloist next to play produced a 'Whilwind' of a performance.

Continuing with 'I'll walk With God', full of contrast and poise they closed with an invigorating 'Shine as the Light'.

Overall: A very comprehensive programme well balanced and well delivered.


Musikkorpset Gjallarhorn, Norway, 3
Conductor: Espen Westbye

A nice opening to 'Cornucopia' with an effective picture painted. Not totally flawless but finale is well handled with classy cornet work.

'A Malvern Suite' follows which has a few uncertain moments but also some fine ensemble sounds.

Overall: A well thought out programme that had some up's and down's along the way

Brass Band Frener-Reifer Pfeffersberg, Italy, 2
Conductor: Bernhard Reifer

Extreme Makeover — a bold choice but so effective. Some stunning cornet work. Good ensemble work.

An excellent, if different take on the test piece. Great effects on show and so well rehearsed. A slick run through of Lovett-Cooper's Where Eagles Sing to finish this progeamme off.

Overall: A classy show throughout.

3BA-Brass, Germany, 1
Conductor: Franz Natyniak

An interesting and persuasive account of the set-test Cornucopia led to an effective 'Meditation — Serenity' by Eric Ball. Some fine dynamics on show.

Sparke's Partita to finish off was full of vibrant energy and was well delivered. A great close.

Overall: A nicely produced and delivered programme.

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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd