*
banner

No change to minor test-piece cuts at British Open

The small performance amendments to the British Open test-piece 'A Brussels Requiem' remain — with agreement of the composer.

British Open
  Everything remains in place at this year's British Open

The organisers of the British Open have reiterated that this year's test-piece 'A Brussels Requiem' will be performed in the manner agreed with by the composer, Bert Appermont.

Consultation

A spokesperson told 4BR: "After consultation with the composer, three minor cuts were agreed to the original score which are to be adopted for the 166th contest at Symphony Hall on Saturday 8th September.

A few queries have been raised by competing bands in relation to the piece and a response dealing with these is being provided directly to them.

The position remains as previously advised. Short scores will as usual be available on the day of the contest with details of these cuts provided.

We look forward to seeing you in Birmingham for what promises to be a wonderful occasion. The contest was sold out many weeks ago and will once again receive with worldwide interest."

These remain as follows:

Bars 72-83:


These bars should be left out. Bar 71 needs to be followed by bar 84. The first beat of bar 72 is to be played at bar 84 on the first beat (with the exception of the percussion)

Bars 130-137:


These bars should be left out. Bar 129 is to be followed bar 138.

Bars 329-344:


These bars should be left out. Bar 328 is to be followed by bar 345. In bar 345, solo cornet 1 needs to play a dotted half note A instead of C (a minor third down).

Furthermore, the dotted half note on the first beat of bar 345 needs to be erased in the soprano cornet, solo cornet 2, 3, 4 and in the 3 trombone parts.

After consultation with the composer, three minor cuts were agreed to the original score which are to be adopted for the 166th contest at Symphony Hall on Saturday 8th SeptemberBritish Open

Further information

Further information: www.thebritishopen.net

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    


4BR

4BR Review — live on Wednesday night

May 19 • Join Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh to discuss how brass bands and what we do is perceived by the wider musical world, and what they believe must be done to reinvigorate our artistic vision.


Blaeanon

Results: 2026 SEWBBA Treforest Festival

May 19 • Parc & Dare lead the way in Treforest with section wins for Markham & District, Penclawdd Brass and Gwaun Cae Gurwen and a great display of next generation talent.


Flowers

Parliamentary praise for Flowers

May 19 • As they prepare for a busy brace of concert appearances, the achievements of the new European Champion have been noted in Parliament.


Felling Band

Report & Result: 2026 DCBBA Picnic in the Park

May 19 • Felling provides the perfect picnic entertainment in Durham.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Harrogate Band

May 19 • We are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete our team. Interesting mix of engagements and contests. Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Cambrian Brass

May 16 • We're always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining a friendly and supportive band, whether you're returning to banding or looking for a new challenge.


Delph Band

May 15 • We are seeking an enthusiastic and musically skilled Associate Conductor to lead and develop our band alongside our current Musical Director Phil Goodwin. . Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd