Exchange Communications Whitburn has announced that Erik Janssen will conduct the band at this year’s National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

Exciting talent

Regarded as one of the most exciting conducting talents in European banding, he is currently the musical director of Dutch champion Brass Band Schoonhoven, who he will lead at this year’s European Championship in Rotterdam in a few weeks time.

He recently conducting the band to victory at the Flemish Open in Mechelen.

Welcome

Whitburn President, Dave Kinross, told 4BR: "We have enjoyed working with exciting conducting talent in recent years, including Ian Porthouse, Simon Dobson and Michael Bach, so everyone is looking forward to welcoming Erik to Scotland and to perform under him in London in October."

...everyone is looking forward to welcoming Erik to Scotland and to perform under him in London in OctoberWhitburn President, Dave Kinross

Busy weekends

This weekend, the Scots travel to perform in Gleidorf in Germany before returning in time to challenge for a qualification place for the British Open at the Grand Shield under the baton of Ian Porthouse.

The following week the band hosts the first Whitburn Festival of Brass, which will feature a masterclass from tuba virtuoso Les Neish as well as open solo competitions and an evening concert featuring the senior and junior Whitburn bands.