The European Brass Band Association has released details of the work chosen as the set test for the B Section bands in Rotterdam later this year.

Light in the Darkness

Joop van Dijk a freelance tuba and contrabass trombone player and a member of the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy, has written a work entitled, ‘Light in the Darkness’.

It is the second test piece the composer has written for the championships, following his composition, ‘Fantasy for Brass Band’, written for B-Section in Kerkrade in 1998.

Hero

Joop van Dijk is the composer in residence with Brass Band Schoonhoven, and his latest work, ‘Prelude for a Hero’ will be used as a set test at the Flemish Open in April.

For the main theme I have used a hymn tune I wrote during a sleepless night in the spring of 2011Joop van Dijk

Sleepless night

Talking about his work, the composer stated: "In 2010 I was commissioned by the Rotterdam Brass Festival Foundation to write the test piece for the B-Division of the 2012 European Brass Band Championships."

He added: "For the main theme I have used a hymn tune I wrote during a sleepless night in the spring of 2011. Looking out of the window of my study room while composing this hymn tune I realised that the only light in that dark night was coming from my study. The title of the test piece, ‘Light in the Darkness’ refers to this moment."

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For more information about the event, tickets and hotels: http://www.ebbc2012.com/