*
banner

Glen hits unbelievable Heists

The British Open Solo Champion, Glen van Looy has spoken of his shock about taking the title on Sunday.

Brass band Heist
 

Glen van Looy, the Principal Euphonium with Brass Band Heist has told 4BR of how shocked he is to have won the British Open Solo title on Sunday.

'I can't believe it. I've competed here before in the Intermediate Section where I came third last year and it'd the first time in the Senior Finals and I really can't believe it. I just wanted to give a good account of myself todayGlen van Looy

Can't believe it

Glen, 17, who also plays with Festival Brass said 'I can't believe it. I've competed here before in the Intermediate Section where I came third last year and it'd the first time in the Senior Finals and I really can't believe it. I just wanted to give a good account of myself today'.

Choice of piece

Talking about his choice of piece for the final, Concerto Per Flicorno Basso by Ponchielli, Glen said 'I heard Katrina Marzella play the piece last year at this contest and i've heard it on CD and I thought the style of the piece would suit me. It's a beautiful piece and it was an instinctive thing to play it here at the contest. I've never played it before on the contesting stage, but I went with it. For the preliminaries I knew I was limited to around 7 minutes playing time and I was happy with how it went and tonight I just relaxed'.

Long journey

Whilst trying to take in that he had won the title, Glen had other things on his mind, the journey home. He along with colleagues had a drive to Dover to catch the ferry and then there was a three hour drive once they'd reached Calais.

The future

Glen told 4BR he had been playing the euphonium for around ten years and on the horizon is the Belgium Championships. Glen now has the opportunity as the British Open Solo Champion to compete at the Ern Keller International Soloist Competition in Sydney, Australia next February. One thing is for certain, he'll make the journey back to the UK next year to defend the title he has won which he says is simply 'beyond my wildest dreams'.

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band are looking for a positive and dynamic leader who can further develop our players skills & aid us in our aspirations of reaching the 1st section.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd