*
banner

Timeless images of refugees inspire Belgian duo

Images of refugees seeking a new life in America has inspired the latest musical collaboration between cornet soloist Harmen Vanhoorne and composer Stan Nieuwenhuis.

Refugees
  The images of refugees seeking new, safer lives taken by Augustus Sherman still resonate today

Moving images of some of the millions of immigrants who sought refuge and a new life in the United States of America at the turn of the last century has inspired the latest musical collaboration between cornet soloist Harmen Vanhoorne and composer Stan Nieuwenhuis.

Between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island near New York was the first experience people had of the 'free world' after fleeing persecution, famine, poverty and war.

It was where America said to the world that it welcomed '…your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free'.

Ethnic clothing

In one month alone in 1907, 11,747 immigrants arrived, many of them still wearing the traditional ethnic clothing they boarded their ships with.

Amateur photographer Augustus Sherman worked as the Chief Registry Clerk on Ellis Island from 1892 until 1925, and took hundreds of pictures of the refugees as they waited to be processed through immigration controls.

His photographs were later published in National Geographic, and remain immensely moving snapshots of time and place, hope and anxiety — and as relevant today as the pictures we see on television news of refugees fleeing to a new life from the conflict zones of the world.

Proactive role

That is something which certainly hit home for the Belgian musicians who have taken a proactive role in helping refugees settle in their own home country.

"It is a topic, which has affected us both very much,"Harmen told 4BR. "We were mesmerised by the photos of Augustus Sherman. When we started to do the research for the project we discovered so many deeply human stories and so many complexities.

We started to see the connection with the current global situation and that made them both fascinating and troubling in a whole new way."

New avenues

The duo has worked together over many years, but they feel that they are now exploring much deeper musical avenues, as Stan added. "That is certainly the case with this project which we have called 'Doux'.

We are trying to reflect the modern phenomenon of migrant movement — with refugees, especially youngsters, bringing their own sound and musical influences to bear as they seek peace in a new home."

It was where America said to the world that it welcomed '…your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free'4BR

Ellis Island

The project is part of a new CD album called 'Ellis Island' which will incorporate fresh sounds influenced by jazz and electronic music with brass band backgrounds.

The CD will be released later this year in the port city of Antwerp, where over the years hundreds of thousands of migrants boarded ships to seek a new, safer future.

"That was also something we were surprised to find out,"Harmen added. "To think that our home country was also linked to these stories made it even more relevant to us."

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd