*
banner

Trance and a lonely Mafia boss to test bands in Belgium this year

The 2015 European Composer Competition winning entry 'L'Effet Divers' by Stan Nieuwenhuis will test the First Section contenders at the Belgian National Championship — as set works are announced.

Stan
 

Stan Nieuwenhuis' 2015 European Composer Competition winning entry, 'L'Effet Divers' has been chosen as the First Division set-work for the Belgian National Championships in November.

Surreal

The composer's work (above) comprises four movements, which each referring to unrelated news stories of a bizarre and surreal nature that captured the imagination of social media around the world. It proved to be a popular winner of the Composer Competition in Freiburg in May.

Inventive and darkly witty, the first movement is inspired by a domestic dispute that increasingly gets out of hand — resulting in the burying of one of the protagonist's cars.

It is followed by the sad story of an elderly man who forgets his bearings whilst driving around London — eventually being stopped by the Police after covering 3,000 kilometres in three days.

The third movement recalls a bizarre tale of the effects of loneliness, as a wanted Mafioso boss longs for prison so that he can finally enjoy the company of other human beings.

It is rounded off by the story of a rich banker who leaves all his wealth on his death to the small village he grew up in so that they can plant a million flowers each year in his memory.

High standard

EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg told 4BR: "EBBA is proud that Stan's composition has been chosen by the selection committee of VLAMO for the First Division at the Belgian National Championship.

We believe it reflects the very high standard of the compositions that were considered and performed in Freiburg."

the third movement recalls a bizarre tale of the effects of loneliness, as a wanted Mafioso boss longs for prison so that he can finally enjoy the company of other human beings4BR

Trance

It was also announced that 'Trance' by Thomas Doss will be the Championship Section set work, with 'Variations on a Swiss Folk Song' by Philip Sparke in the Second Division and 'Partita' by Edward Gregson in the Third.

Set Works:

Championship Section: Trance (Thomas Doss)
First Division: L'Effet Divers (Stan Nieuwenhuis)
Second Division: Variations on a Swiss Folk Song (Philip Sparke)
Third Division: Partita (Edward Gregson)

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    


Tewit Youth

Tewit doff caps for Downton premiere

September 12 • Martin Hall and players from Tewit Youth Band will be seen and heard in action on the latest Down Abbey film


NYBBGB

Harper and Brabbins spearhead new era at NYBBGB

September 12 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain heralds a new era of artistic leadership and outlook from Philip Harper and Martyn Brabbins.


bbe England

Restructuring at BBE as funding challenges tighten

September 12 • There have been job losses and restructuring of roles at Brass Bands England as the funding landscape produces extensive challenges for the future.


RBC

Audition process starts at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

September 12 • If you are looking to study at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2026 then auditions are being held this November.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd