Austrian brass banding continues to develop its competitive base following the hosting of its second National Championship which took place at the Kulturzentrum Brauhaus Eferding in Upper-Austria on the weekend.

Although only three bands took part this year, it was reported to 4BR that the movement continues to grow in number and strength, with realistic hopes that more bands will compete at the 2016 event.

Outstanding

In the Championship 'A Section', Brass Band Oberosterreich, conducted by Ian Porthouse successfully defended the title with an outstanding performance of Peter Graham's 'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' — referred to by the adjudicators as being 'outstanding' and full of 'excellent detail and clarity'.

It gave the band a clear two point winning margin over a fine performance from rivals Brass Band Froschl Hall to also secure qualification to the European Championship in Lille in 2016.

Shiver down the spine

Ian told 4BR: "This was a performance that was every bit as good as the one I was lucky enough to conduct when Tredegar won the British Open in 2010.

The opening bars of the Bruckner in the first movement sent a shiver down the spine. These are players that have that music in their DNA — it was thrilling.

It was real honour to be able to direct these superb musicians to a National title that means so much to them."

Growing in confidence

He added: "What was also good to hear was that the band had to push itself very hard as the performance from Froschl Hall was very good indeed. Austrian banding is growing in strength and confidence."

Band Manager Thomas Beiganz was equally happy: "We have a great musical relationship with Ian and we are of course very happy that he has once again led us to victory at our National Championship. We are now starting to plan for the European Championship in Lille."

He added: "Brass banding is continuing to grow in our country — and we are hopeful that even more bands will be in the position to compete at our National event in 2016."

High standard

Although there was only one competing band in the B Section, the three judges praised the quality of the performance of Austrian Brass Band Graz directed by Heinrich Schmidt saying that it was playing of a very high standard.

The opening bars of the Bruckner in the first movement sent a shiver down the spine. These are players that have that music in their DNA — it was thrillingIan Porthouse

Results:

A Section:
Adjudicators: Tom Brevik (Norway); Armin Bachmann (Switzerland); Martin Schadlich (Germany)
Test Piece: On the Shoulders of Giants (Peter Graham)

1. Brass Band Oberosterreich (Ian Porthouse) — 95pts
2. Brass Band Froschl Hall (Joe Laube) — 93pts


Challenge Section::
Adjudicators: Tom Brevik (Norway); Armin Bachmann (Switzerland); Martin Schadlich (Germany)
Test Piece: A London Overture (Philip Sparke)

1. Austrian Brass Band Graz (Heinrich Schmidt) — 92pts