*
banner

Euro response to Flemish Open

24 bands from across Europe will take part in the Flemish Open next month — and you can watch the action live from Mechelen.

Flemish Open
 

The Flemish Open Brass Band Championship will be taking place in Mechelen on the weekend of the 16th/17th April, with 24 bands taking part in four sections.

Support

Supported by the city and sponsors Besson and RoGa Percussion, the contest includes 15 non-Belgian competitors — from The Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and the UK as well as none home rivals, and will see each perform a 30 minute programme including the set work.

Live broadcast

The adjudicators are Jan Van der Roost, Blaise Heritier and Jan de Haan, and will be broadcast live for the cost of Euro 12.50 for a full weekend of music.

Further details can be sought at: http://hafabralivestream.nl/

Tickets:

Ticket prices for the contest itself range from Euro 6 to Euro 6/19 and can be ordered from:

office@vobk.org: http://www.vobk.org/en/tickets-2/

SECTION A:
Saturday 16th: 6.00pm

Competing Bands:
Brassband Schoonhoven A
Brassband Buizingen
Brassband de Waldsang
Brassband Heist
Festival Brassband
Oberaargauer Brass Band
YBB NRW

The top flight set-work is entitled 'Behind the Curtain' by Ludovic Neurohr, and was commissioned by the VOBK for the 2016 Championship.

The work explores the moments before the entry on stage — ie. behind the curtain. There is stress, excitement, hesitation, confidence and apprehension — final thoughts flicking between colour, balance, technique and musicality. Those thoughts end as the band finally walks onto the stage to perform.

SECTION B:
Sunday 17th: 2.00pm

Brass Band Sursilvana
Brassband De Spijkerpakkenband Opsterland e.o.
Brassband Merum
Brassband Scaldis
Mercator Brass Band

The set-work is also a new commission from composer Johan Evenepoel, entitled 'Log Out'.

SECTION C:
Saturday 16th: Noon

Brass Band De Bazuin B Oenkerk
Brass Band Constantijn Huygens
Brass Band David Zwolle
Burgermusik Untereggen
Brass Band Gloria Dei
Royal Brass Band 'De Grensbewoners' Smeermaas
Namur Wallonia Brass Band
Youth Brass Band of Upper Austria

The set-work 'Light' by composer Fredrick Schjelderup.

SECTION D:
Sunday 17th: 10.30am

Brassband Harp en Luit (NL)
Brassband Leest (BE)
Brassband Lembeek (BE)
Coppull & Standish (UK)

The set-work is a newly commissioned piece by Stan Nieuwenhuis, entitled 'Ouverture Noire', which explores a world of fear, chaos and sadness after the terrorist attacks in Paris 2015.

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    


wELSH aREA

Results: 2025 Welsh Regional Championships

March 15 • Tredegar leads the way as Welsh Champion with section wins for Parc & Dare, Deiniolen Silver, City of Wrexham and Holywell in Swansea


Stevenage

Results: 2025 London & Southern Counties Area Championships

March 15 • East London Brass claims the Championship honours in Stevenage with Kidlington Concert Brass, Jersey Premier, Betteshanger and Cobham taking the section titles.


cIVIC cENTRE

Result: 2025 Midlands Second Section Area Championship

March 15 • Carlton Brass claims the Second Section honours in Bedworth


Derek rENSHAW

Renshaw adds experience to MD role at Hade Edge

March 15 • Three time National winner Derek Renshaw brings his experience to the role of MD at Hade Edge Band.


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Sunday 16 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Sunday 16 March • Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 16 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

March 16 • Musical Director required. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire. . . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm until 10pm. . . Resident or professional sought depending on experience.


Enderby Band

March 16 • Bass trombone and Bb Bass required.. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire.. . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm to 10pm at the Enderby Village Institute.


Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass

March 15 • Merseyside/Wirral based. We are a friendly 4th section band with regular jobs and socials throughout the year! Looking for a Principal Cornet, Cornets(position negotiable), Flugal and Trombone. All Players welcome! Instruments available to use!


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd