*
banner

Winds of Change for Oberoesterreich

Brass Band Oberoesterreich are getting ready to blow the winds of change through South Africa on their forthcoming tour.

Oberoesterreich
 

4BR has spoken exclusively to Thomas Beiganz, of Brass Band Oberoesterreich, just days before the Austrian Band departs on a ground breaking tour to South Africa.

High profile

The tour will see the band based in Cape Town, where they will perform three high profile concerts as well as provide a masterclass at the famous Stellenbosch University.

However, the 11 day tour which starts on April 15th has meant that the band reluctantly had to pull out of the European Brass Band Championships in Montreux this year – a decision that caused a great deal of soul searching according to Thomas.

Impossible

"We desperately wanted to be able to perform both in South Africa and Switzerland, but it was impossible with the travel arrangements and the preparation needed to play well at the European contest," Thomas told 4BR.

"We are fully committed to the European ideal and after the success of Linz we wanted to support the event in Montreux, but we couldn’t do it. We wish all the competitors well and we hope to see them all again in Rotterdam in 2012."

The European Championships in Linz left a great legacy and we are now building on that for the future of brass banding in AustriaThomas Beiganz

Huge undertaking

In the meantime Thomas has been working hard with representatives in South Africa to ensure the tour there goes smoothly.

"It’s a huge undertaking for us, but one we are looking forward to. The logistics of getting the band to South Africa from Austria are huge, but we are all sure it will be a trip to remember."

Top form

The band’s musical repertoire has already been put in place, and with three preparation concerts Thomas believes the band will be in tip top form from the moment they touch down in Cape Town.

"We will undertake three concerts in Austria before we leave, and then give another three concerts in Cape Town at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, at the University of Stellenbosch and finally at Gala Concert in Newlands," he added.

New audience

Thomas believes the band will thrill a new audience to brass banding, and as such they have picked a programme to showcase all their considerable talents.

"We will play a real variety of music – from Mozart to John Williams, with all our brilliant soloists having the opportunity to show off. We want to blow a brass band wind change through the country!" he said.

Talents

That will mean the likes of Hans Gansch, Lito Fontana, Harald Baumgartner and vocalist Regina Mallinger being featured, whilst the rest of the band will be certain to showcase all their talents under the direction of Hannes Buchegger.

Busy year ahead

And although the band will not be taking part in Montreux, they have a busy calendar of events already in place for the rest of the year, as Thomas revealed.

"We have a lot of exciting projects to look forward to. We will be involved with the development of the Upper Austrian Youth Brass Band and the brand new Upper Austrian Junior Brass Band.

The European Championships in Linz left a great legacy and we are now building on that for the future of brass banding in Austria."

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    


Broders

Annan Town to defend their entertainment borders in Jedburgh

October 27 • 15 bands will compete at the Borders Entertainment Contest in Jedburgh this weekend.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

October 27 • Music linked to Remembrance Day is brought to us by Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge


Wychavon

Final line-up of Wychavon entertainers announced

October 27 • There will be full day of brass band entertainment and plenty of prizes on offer in Evesham this weekend.


Danish Champions

Danish bands ready for National challenges

October 27 • The Danish National Championships take place in Aarhus this weekend with titles up for grabs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


City of Norwich Brass

October 25 • We’re Recruiting!. Do you have the sound, passion, and presence to lead our trombone section?. We’re looking for a Solo Trombone to join our friendly and ambitious brass band.. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Hethersett Village Hall, Norwich, NR9 3JJ


Harlow Brass Band

October 25 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd