There will be 14 aspiring Musical Directors taking part in the 7th European Conductors Competition in Ostend this year.

The first round will feature musicians from eight different countries, selected from an initial entry of 25 conductors by the EBBA Music Commission.

The competition will begin on Monday 24th April, with three finalists chosen by a distinguished jury to compete in the final on Thursday 27th April, when each will conduct a major work for brass band.

Impressed

Paul Hindmarsh, Chairman of the EBBA Music Commission told 4BR: "The Music Commission was impressed by both the range and the overall standard of the entries and is looking forward to watching the candidates at work during the competition."

In the 1st round, the candidates will conduct the Belgian Championship Section Festival Brass Band. In the 2nd round, they will work with Kon. Muziekkapel van de Gidsen, one of Belgium's finest military bands, and in the 3rd round, they will link with Kamerorkest Brugge. The finalists will rehearse and conduct Noord-Limburgse Brass Band.

Former winners

Former winners of the competition include Jose-Raphael Pascual, Jesper Juul Sorensen, Christian Radner, Mathias Wehr, Erik Van der Kolk and Kalle Kuusava, whilst a former finalist was Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, currently the dynamic conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Rounds 1 to 3 are open to the public free of charge. Tickets for the final can be ordered via: www.ebbc2017.be

a former finalist was Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, currently the dynamic conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra4BR

Conductors:

Chloe Meyzie (France)
Carlos Alberto Ramon-Perez (Spain)
Gerk Huisma (Netherlands)
Jan Muller (Switzerland)
Marte Rolfsen (Norway)
Alexander Webb (England)
Borja Martinez-Alegre (Spain)
Maurice Donnet-Monnay (Switzerland)
Rafael Gonzales-Garcia (Spain)
Brenden Wheeler (England)
Thomas Wolf (Germany)
David Hurpeau (France)
Maxime Pitios (France)
Dieter Boffe (Belgium)