The Cory Band made their own piece of unique brass banding history at the Brucknerhaus Hall in Linz on Saturday evening, by winning the European title for a third year in a row.

Triple Crown

Conducted by Dr Robert Childs, the Welsh band claimed a remarkable ‘Triple Crown’ (the first ever by a non English band at the event) by winning both disciplines of the contest for the second year in a row.

They produced stunning performances of the test piece, ‘Spiriti’ by Thomas Doss, and their own choice work, ‘A Tale as Yet Untold’, by Philip Sparke.

At the end of a riveting overall contest, it gave the band a narrow two point margin of victory over Eikanger Bjorsvik of Norway conducted by Professor David King.

They thrilled the audience over the two days to end up just a point behind Cory in both disciplines of the competition.

Powerhouse band

There was delight for the supporters of the home nation packed into the hall to hear the results at the conclusion of the Gala Concert, as Brass Band Oberosterreich confirmed that they are now without doubt one of the powerhouse bands of Europe, by coming third overall under the baton of the inspirational Hannes Buchegger.

Disappointment

However, there was disappointment for Black Dyke, as many people’s favourites to take the title had to be content with fourth place under Dr Nicholas Childs.

Despite principal cornet player Richard Marshall winning the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ prize, they could only end a point ahead of an inspired Brass Band Buizingen from Belgium in fifth, who caught the imagination of many neutral listeners under Luc Vertommen. Sixth place went to the young Swiss band, Valaisia, directed by Arsene Duc.

They’ve worked so hard, and they are the ones who have to play the notes under pressure on stage. I knew they had played well on Friday, but they were special todayDr Robert Childs

Tribute

As the sound of the great Brucknerhaus organ finally died down after playing a rousing version of the Welsh National Anthem, followed by the start of raucous Celtic celebrations, Robert Childs paid tribute to his band on their victory.

"It’s really down to them," he told 4BR. "They’ve worked so hard, and they are the ones who have to play the notes under pressure on stage. I knew they had played well on Friday, but they were special today."

The MD was also magnanimous in victory towards his rivals too: "The likes of Black Dyke, Eikanger and Oberosterreich are such superb bands. Any one of them would have deserved victory this weekend the way they played, so to win at this fantastic venue against such great bands makes this special."

Memorable performance

Joining Cory in the celebration on stage was composer Philip Sparke who had managed to make it back from America to come to Linz to hear the band provide a winning premiere of his latest major contesting composition. "I’m so happy for Bob and the band," he said. "They gave a truly memorable performance of my work."

Cory’s victory meant that they will now defend their title in Montreux in 2011, as they seek to make it four wins in row, whilst Eikanger will have to wait until 2012 to see if they can finally end their long wait for a third crown.

Black Dyke meanwhile will have to face a trip to Preston in just a few weeks time to see if they can qualify for an appearance at Stravinsky Hall in Switzerland next year.

B Section victory

In the B Section there was cause for national celebration as the magnificent Austria Brass Band of the University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz, conducted by Uwe Koller, took the title in splendid fashion ahead of the German duo of 3BA Concert Band and Brass Band Ober-schwaben.

Results:

Friday 30th April and Saturday 1 May 2010
Test piece: Test piece: 'Spirti' (Thomas Doss)

Adjudicators: Set Work: Maurice Hamers (Netherlands), Torstein Aagaard-Nilson (Norway), John Wallace (UK)

Adjudicators: Own Choice: Peter Bassano (UK), Jean-Francois Bobillier (Switzerland) and Edgar Seipenbusch (Austria)

Results:

1. Cory Band [Wales], 6/5, 98/98=196
Dr Robert Childs

2. Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklaag [Norway], 3/2, 97/97=194
Professor David King

3. Brass Band Oberosterreich [Austria], 9/3, 96/95=191
Hans Buchegger

4. Black Dyke [England], 7/7, 94/96=190
Dr Nicholas Childs

5. Brass Band Buizingen [Belgium], 8/2, 95/94=189
Luc Vertommen

6. Valaisia Brass Band [Switzerland], 6/4, 93/91=184
Arsene Dec

7. Brass Band De Waldsang [Netherlands], 1/8, 91/92=183
Rieks van der Velde

8. Brass Band Nord Pas-de-Calais [France], 5/4, 90/88=178
Russell Gray

9. Concord Brass Band [Denmark], 9/10, 88/89=177
Michael Howley

10.Bon Accord [Scotland], 1/2, 86/90=176
John Maines

Best Soloist: Richard Marshall, Solo Cornet, Black Dyke

Section B:

Saturday 1 May: 9.00-1200 local time
Test piece: Up My Alley, Albin Zaininger and Own Choice Programme

Adjudicators: Maurice Hamer (Netherlands), Torstein Aagaard-Nilson (Norway) and John Wallace (UK)

Results:

1.Austria Brass Band of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz [Austria], 3, 94
Conductor: Professor Uwe Koller

2. 3BA Concert Band [Germany], 5, 92
Conductor: Franz Matysiak

3. Brass Band Oberschwaben Allgau [Germany], 4, 91
Conductor: Peter Schmid

4. Brass Band Wipptal [Italy], 6, 90
Conductor: Martin Gruber

5. Swedish Youth Brass Band [Sweden], 2, 89
Conductor: Berit Palmquist

6. Toolo Brass [Finland], 1, 83
Conductor: Olavi Pitkanen

Best Soloist: Stefan Hausleber, Solo Cornet, Austria Brass Band of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz