The first European title of the 2016 Championships has been won by the 20 year old Swiss cornet player Jeremy Coquoz.

Fearless winner

The young economics student gave an outstanding account of the fearsome set-repertoire of Torstein Aagard-Nilsen's 'Cornet Concerto' to take the honours and the 3000 Euro first prize. Accompanied by Brass Band Nor Pas de Calais under the baton of Luc Vertommen, Jeremy's performance was described by the judges as 'mature' and 'fearless'.

"I'm very happy," he said as he became the seventh winner in the contest's history. "The other players were incredible and I had to play really well to win. The cornet concerto was very difficult, but I enjoyed it. To win makes me very proud that I have won for my country."

In a contest that featured a quartet of super young players, French marimba player Adelaide Ferrier was runner-up, after she delivered a polished rendition of the 'Concerto for Marimba and Brass Band' by Paul Creston, arranged by David Danford.

French duo fill podium places

Adelaide took home 2000 Euros for her efforts, whilst her compatriot, tenor horn player Sophie Budelot was third. She gave a bravura account of Philip Wilby's 'Fantastie Concertante' to not only take the 1000 third prize but also claim the votes and 500 Euro 'Audience' and 'Band' awards.

The talented Willian Birrer of Switzerland was fourth, winning 500 Euro after he delivered a fine account of the Martin Ellerby 'Baritone Concerto'.

Earlier in the week 24 talented performers were whittled down by the judges, Steven Mead, Russell Gray, Thierry Deleruyelle, Michel Becquet and Thierry Thibault to the final quartet (with their recommendation that four not three make it through such was the standard).

Risque but appropriate

The event also featured a short concert performance by the European Youth Band under MD, Erik Janssen, who rounded off their contribution before the announcement of the results with the risque, but highly appropriate fun filled encore, 'This is Fr***ing Awesome', which given the stars of playing heard on the night seemed to sum things up perfectly!!

Further details, images and interviews to follow

Result:

1. Jeremy Coquoz (cornet) — Switzerland
2. Adelaide Ferrier (marimba) — France
3. Sophie Budelot (horn) — France
4. William Birrer (baritone) — Switzerland