Brass Band Oberosterreich won the Austrian National Championship in Kufstein in commanding fashion on the weekend.

Directed by Ian Porthouse they made it a hat-trick of victories, mirroring the MD's own personal achievement of gaining a trio of 2017 European qualification successes — leading Tredegar, Brass Band Schoonhoven and now Brass Band Oberosterreich to Ostend.

Outstanding rendition

Their three point victory came courtesy of an outstanding rendition of Philip Wilby's 'Red Priest'; described respectively by the three judges Armin Bachmann, Luc Vertommen and Tom Brevik in their written remarks as, 'very fine musicianship', 'a most interesting performance' and 'so musical and artistic'.

Ryan Richards, playing as guest from Tredegar Band won the 'Best Soloist' award with Oberosterreich's imposing tuba team taking the 'Best Section' award. Solidly portrayed performances from R.E.T. Brass Band led by Andreas Lackner and Brass Band Froschl Hall conducted by Josef Laube were second and third.

Musical link

The growing musical link between Brass Band Oberosterreich and Ian Porthouse was something the MD was keen to emphasise when he spoke to 4BR.

"It's a real honour to work with such outstanding musicians, and to enjoy the musical benefits that it brings. They are a band fuelled by a professional attitude and determination — elements that I find so engaging and inspiring to be part of."

He added: "Each time I come to Austria they have moved another significant step forward — so I think everyone should watch out for them in Ostend next year. They did everything I asked of them for this weekend and that was shown in an excellent performance of 'Red Priest'."

Dutch Euro lead

Meanwhile, Brass Band Oberosterreich spokesperson Thomas Beiganz confirmed that with Ian directing Tredegar in Ostend, they will be led by Dutch conductor Eric Janssen.

"Our thanks go to Ian once again for doing such a wonderful job. He knows exactly how a brass band should sound and his rehearsals are always exciting and inspiring to the players.

We also really enjoyed performing with Dewi Griffiths and Ryan Richards who came over with him from Tredegar to assist us — they were both fantastic."

Ostend

Thomas added: "We now look forward to a great event in Ostend and to working with another wonderful conductor in Erik Janssen as well as competing against Tredegar, Brass Band Schoonhoven and the other fantastic bands."

Before the announcement of the results the audience was treated to a concert from Band Oberosterreich, whilst the following day a trio of youth brass bands performed in the Tiroler Blaserherbst Festival at the same venue.

Our thanks go to Ian once again for doing such a wonderful job. He knows exactly how a brass band should sound and his rehearsals are always exciting and inspiring to the playersThomas Beiganz

Results:

Adjudicators: Armin Bachmann, Luc Vertommen, Tom Brevik

1. Brass Band Oberosterreich: (Ian Porthouse) — 96
2. R.E.T. Brass Band: (Andreas Lackner) — 93
3. Brass Band Froschl Hall: (Josef Laube) — 92

Best Section: Tuba Section (Brass Band Oberosterreich)
Best Soloist: Ryan Richards (trombone) — Brass Band Oberosterreich