One of Europe’s leading cornet stars will be making a welcome return to the playing ranks of his former band, with the news that Raf Van Looveren will once again play cornet with Belgian champions Brass Band Willebroek.

Delighted

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: "We are delighted that Raf will be returning to the band on solo cornet.

Raf already knows us and conductor Frans Violet very well, which means he will fit in easily with the existing solo cornet section.

Furthermore, he will add to the level of quality and experience of the band."

European champion

Raf was principal cornet with Willebroek for 11 years and helped them to claim two European titles as well as a number of other major championship successes. He was also crowned the European Solo Champion in Glasgow in 2004.

In 2011 he left the band to become a freelance cornet player and focus on his conductin, in connection with his full time musical career as solo cornet with the Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides.

We have always kept following Raf’s wonderful achievements so we are very happy to be part of them againBrass Band Willebroek

Wonderful achievements

The spokesperson added: "We have always kept following Raf’s wonderful achievements so we are very happy to be part of them again."