Brass Band Rijnmond successfully defended their Dutch Open title in Drachten with a polished performance set under the direction of conductor Erik van der Kolk.

Although pushed hard by eventual runner-up Brass Band de Waldsang, the single-point margin of victory was in little doubt after producing a neatly balanced rendition of Maarten Spruijt's 'To Vega and Back', followed by a 'Best Instrumentalist' performance by Rodin Rosendahl of the 2nd & 3rd movements of the 'Stratos' Euphonium Concerto and a vibrant account of Peter Graham's 'Metropolis 1927'.

Four points behind came De Bazuin Oenkerk in third, leading home the remaining trio of contenders.

Precision, balance and execution

"We had two very good performances from Rijnmond and De Waldsang,"adjudicator Russell Gray (who was joined by Jan de Hann and Manu Mellaerts) later told 4BR. "There was a great deal of high quality playing on show from both, but it was the overall precision, balance and execution of the individual pieces from the winners that gave them a clear edge."

That meant that De Waldsang's boldly delivered set of 'Behind the Curtain' by Ludovic Neurohr, the baritone solo 'Eastern Dances' played by Hendrik de Boer and 'Trance' by Thomas Doss, just fell short, whilst a rather more inconsistent set from De Bazuin Oenkerk eventually finished some way behind in third.

Constructive criticism

In his pre-results remarks Russell Gray stated that although the judges had enjoyed the varied repertoire on display throughout the day, they hoped that their 'constructive criticism' would be taken on board by the bands at all levels to give them 'something to work on' as they look towards the Dutch National Championships in October.

Hopefully that will be the case, although the sense of ambition and confidence displayed by the likes of Oenkerk in a set that contained the demanding 'Vita Aeterna Variations' and fourth placed Amsterdam Brass with their colourful up-beat set was already noticeable.

Behind them, Brass Band Limburg will gave an encouraging account, including a robust 'Blitz', with the welcome visitors of Austrian Brass Band once again giving an indication of their developing top-flight talents under Uwe Koller.

Impressive credentials

However, there was no hiding Rijnmond's already impressive credentials, as they now plan for their assault on the National title in Utrecht buoyed by a significant victory, as their MD told 4BR.

"We have worked very hard for this contest,"Erik van der Kolk said. "We wanted to show our strengths as a band and our versatility. That is why we chose the pieces we did. We are a young band that wants to get better and better, and now we look forward to Utrecht."

Erik added: "All my players were fantastic today — especially Rodin (their euphonium soloist), so now we can take time to celebrate!"

Classy Heerenveen

Earlier there were also celebrations in order for Pro Rege Heerenveen, directed by Anne van den Berg, as they produced a classy set that included a fizzing rendition of Philip Sparke's 'Year of the Dragon' as well as 'Ad Optimum' by Peter Graham, to beat off the spirited challenge of Oefening en Uitspanning Wij en Aalburg in the First Division event.

Heerenveen's excellent soloist Gosse Jan Visser also took the 'Best Soloist' with his fine rendition of 'Chants Russes'.

Rising Schoonhoven B

There was also a great deal to enjoy in the Second Division battle, as a closely matched trio of bands produced fine accounts of themselves.

In the end it was one of the nation's rapidly rising ensembles, Brass Band Schoonhoven B, that claimed the honours under Robbert Vos, with a set that opened with 'Fanfare & Theme' by Christian Overhead, as well as 'The Holy Well', lyrically played by baritone soloist Frank van der Boor, 'The Seal Lullaby' and Oliver Waespi's 'Traversada'.

They now head to Utrecht as one of the favourites to add another Dutch National title to an increasingly impressive CV of achievement under the talented Sterling Instruments euphonium star, who is also making a name for himself as a noted wine critic.

"It comes in handy when we do have something to celebrate,"a delighted Robbert later told 4BR. "The band once again played very well, so perhaps a nice red wine will be my choice from the bar!"

Friendly atmosphere

There was a great deal to enjoy at the excellent Schouwburg de Lawei venue, with a well-run day of competition played out amid a friendly competitive atmosphere.

With banding in Holland in need of a well-structured contesting foundation on which to build further, the former Euro Brass event has gained a new lease of life since being re-launched, with notable support now coming from the likes of Yamaha and leading local sponsors alongside Benelux based instrument and music retailers, such as Muremo, Band Music Shop, De Wilde, JT Music BV and Geneva.

An event spokesperson told 4BR. "We continue to work very hard to make this an attractive event for bands. We hope it will continue to grow here in Drachten and that we can encourage more bands from around Europe to come here and compete."

We wanted to show our strengths as a band and our versatility. That is why we chose the pieces we did. We are a young band that wants to get better and better, and now we look forward to UtrechtRijnmond MD, Erik van der Kolk

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicators: Russell Gray, Jan de Haan, Manu Mellaerts

1. Brass Band Rijnmond (Erik van der Kolk) — 95.0
2. Brass Band De Waldsang (Rieks van der Velde) — 94.0
3. De Bazuin Oenkerk (Siemen Hoekstra) — 90.0
4. Amsterdam Brass (Pierre Volders) — 89.0
5. ProClass Brass Band Limburg (Renato Meli) — 87.0
6. Austrian Brass Band (Uwe Koller) — 85.0

Most Innovative Programme: Amsterdam Brass
Best Instrumentalist: Rodin Rosendahl (euphonium) — Brass Band Rijnmond

First Division:
Adjudicators: Russell Gray, Jan de Haan, Manu Mellaerts

1. Pro Rege Heerenveen (Anne van den Berg) — 92.0
2. Oefening en Uitspanning Wijk en Aalburg (Anno Appelo) — 89.0

Best Instrumentalist: Gosse Jan Visser (euphonium) — Pro Rege Heerenveen

Second Division:
Adjudicators: Russell Gray, Jan de Haan, Manu Mellaerts

1. Brass Band Schoonhoven (Robbert Vos) — 91.0
2. Constantijn Huygens Appingedam (Richard Visser) — 89.0
3. CMV Euphonia Wolvega (Syde van der Ploeg) — 87.0

Best Instrumentalist: Robert Ernest (cornet) — Constantijn Huygens Appingedam