The European Championships return to Montreux for the fourth time this year — following on from the successful events held at the Montreux Convention Centre on the banks of Lake Geneva in 1994, 2001 and 2001.
1994
Three bands that lined-up in 1994 return this year: Eikanger Bjorsvik (who came runner-up), Brass Band Willebroek (who were sixth) and Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (who came ninth).
One conductor also returns — Frans Violet with Willebroek.
And whilst the set-work, 'Le Chant de l'Alpe' by Jean Balissat has never been heard again, one of the own-choice test-pieces played 'Spectrum' (by Solna Brass) will be heard in the Challenge Section this time around.
2001
Of the class of 2001, only Cory (runner-up) takes another bow, with Prof David King the only conductor to return (he led Yorkshire Building Society to the title).
The set-work 'Montreux Wind Dances' is also waiting for a reprise European contest performance, whilst none of the own-choice selections made that year are featured this time around.
2011
Cory also appeared in 2011, whilst Ian Porthouse is the only returning MD (conducting Tredegar to third place) — this time with Brass Band Oberosterreich.
And although the memorable set-work 'Audivi Media Nocte' is yet to be used as a set-work in any other major contest, it has since been performed six times by other bands as their own-choice section at the event.
In addition the own-choice selections, 'Old Licks Bluesed Up' (which Manger played in helping them claim the title), 'From Ancient Times (which Cory won the own-choice discipline), 'Music of the Spheres' (played by fourth placed Schoonhoven) will be heard again this year.
One conductor also returns from 1994 — Frans Violet with Willebroek4BR
Points make prizes
Luc Vertommen, who adjudicated in 2011, will return this year as the conductor of German champions 3BA Concert Brass.
Oddly, Williams Fairey (1994), Yorkshire Building Society (2001) and Manger Musikklag all claimed the title by being awarded 191 points — although none topped both the set-work and own-choice elements of the contest.
