*
banner

European Countdown: 8 days to go

Montreux host the European Championship for the fourth time — but who is still around from the last three times in 1994, 2001 and 2011?

Prof King
  Frans Violet conducted at the 1994 contest and will return once again in 2011.

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.

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 interview

4BR Podcast Interview: Episode 4

July 6 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to social media content creator George Reece to find out more about his cool look at why brass bands compete against each other...


Wellinton

Results: 2025 New Zealand National Championships

July 6 • Wellington Brass continues its national domination in Christchurch, with section honours going to St Kilda, Levin & Districts, New Brighton Silver an


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd