Belgium euphonium star Glen Van Looy has taken the first title of the European weekend by becoming the 5th European Solo Champion.

Scorching

In a wonderful competition at the Brucknerhaus Hall in Linz, Glen delivered a scorching performance, nearly as hot as the temperature in Linz on the day, of Peter Meechan's 'Three Stories; Three Worlds' Concerto to take the 3,000 Euro first prize ahead of Scotland's Katrina Marzella, with Harman Vanhoorne in third.

In addition to the first prize, the young euphonium from Brass Band Buizingen also took the 'Band Prize' and 'Audience Prize' (making a grand total of 4,000 Euro) — voted on by the players of Brass Band Frosch Hall who accompanied the finaists, and the locals who enjoyed the performances in the hall.

In a wonderful competition at the Brucknerhaus Hall in Linz, Glen delivered a scorching performance, nearly as hot as the temperature in Linz on the day4BR

Proud

All three soloists did themselves proud, with Scotland's Katrina Marzella taking second place (and 2,000 Euro) after delivering a riveting performance of the Martin Ellerby 'Baritone Concerto', whilst Harman vanhoorne produced a corking rendition of the Aagaard-Nilsen 'Cornet Concerto' to come third (1,000 Euro).

The winner was very nearly speechless when we spoke to him after the results: "I can't believe it," he said as he accepted the plaudits of his fellow finalists, supporters and family.

Result:

1. Glen van Looy, euphonium (Belgium)
2. Katrina Marzella, baritone (Scotland)
3. Harman Vanhoorne, cornet (Belgium)