*
banner

Report & Results: 2017 Swiss Open Contest

Home city success for Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern as they lay down the National contest gauntlet to rivals in winning the Swiss Open for first time since 2011.

Michael Bach
  Michael Bach led Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern to the title in their home city for the first time since 2011.

With the Swiss National Championship looming on the snow topped peaks of the Alps in November, Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern threw down the competitive gauntlet to rivals as they claimed the Swiss Open title at the KKL Concert Hall in their home city on the weekend.

Conducted by Michael Bach they regained the title they last won in 2011 to give the MD his fourth success at the multi-discipline event.

Brass Band 13 Etoiles led by James Gourlay was second, with Brass Band Berner Oberland conducted by Corsin Tudor in third. Defending champion Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan was fifth behind the 'scratch ensemble' Wallberg Band led by Cory MD, Philip Harper. Recently crowned British Open champion Valaisia Brass Band did not take part.

Metropolis

The set-work was 'Metropolis 1927' by Peter Graham, with own-choice selections coming from a set of orchestral transcriptions. The separate march prize was claimed by Brass Band 13 Etoiles for their performance of 'Arnhem'.

Speaking directly to 4BR, winning MD Michael Bach said that the result gave Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern a huge boost as the former European champion looks to regain the National title in Montreux at the end of November.

"We are very pleased with the result and it gives us a lot of confidence as we look ahead to the Swiss National Championships,"he said. "Winning here in our home city means a great deal to us all and we now hope to add to that with our first National success since 2013."

Norway bound

Michael had little time to celebrate the success though (above), as he was due to fly to Norway to work with the current European Champion, Eikanger Bjorsvik on a series of four major works for a concert next weekend in Bergen.

"That is something which I am really looking forward to. Eikanger is a magnificent band and the repertoire is so exciting. I'm sure my band will enjoy their celebrations before we start the hard work again."

Up to last note

When the final results were revealed that the destination of the title was certainly up for grabs right to the last note being heard at the famous KKL Hall, as the adjudication team of David Childs, Howard Lorriman, Carlo Balmelli, Pascal Eicher and Roman Brogli-Sacher made their deliberations.

With each judge given 60 marks (with the highest lowest then discounted), it was a superb performance of 'Metropolis 1927' by Wallberg under Philip Harper that first impressed most, ahead of Brass Band Berner Oberland with Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern in third. 13 Etoiles was joint fifth.

Turned tables

However, Luzern's stunning rendition of Respighi's 'Roman Festivals' completely turned the tables, ending just ahead of 13 Etoile's thrilling 'Capriccio Espagnol' by Rimsky-Korsakov, with Valaisian's 'Hunnenschlacht' ('Battle of the Huns') by Liszt a distant third.

Berner Oberland's 'Balfagor' by Respighi was fourth, with Wallberg's 'Checkmate' in seventh, enabling Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern to secure the title by a narrow two point margin.

Winning here in our home city means a great deal to us all and we now hope to add to that with our first National success since 2013Winning MD, Michael Bach

Result:


Adjudicators: David Childs, Howard Lorriman, Carlo Balmelli, Pascal Eicher, Roman Brogli-Sacher
Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach): 170/179 = 349
2. Brass Band 13 Etoiles (James Gourlay): 165/177 = 342
3. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor): 172/167 = 339
4. Wallberg Band (Philip Harper): 177/161 = 338
5. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Francois Roh): 165/170 = 335
6. Brass Band Fribourg (Maurice Donnet-Monay): 169/160 = 329
7. Brass Band Luzern Land (Hervé Grélat): 162/165 = 327
8. Ensemble de Cuivres Mélodia (Vincent Baroni): 160/166 = 326
9. Oberaargauer Brass Band (Christoph Luchsinger): 158/158 = 316
10. Liberty Brass Band Ostschweiz (Andreas Koller): 156/160 = 316

Best March: Brass Band 13 Etoiles (James Gourlay)
Best Own Choice: Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach)

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    


Desford Colliery

Report & Result: 2025 National Championship of Great Britain

October 12 • Desford surprise the favourites to claim a fifth National title success on a day of new memories at the Royal Albert Hall.


ISB and Fodens

Friday night Gregson spotlights

October 10 • You will be spoilt for a Gregson choice between the ISB and Ian Bousfield and Foden's and Mike Lovatt if you are in London this evening.


World of Brass

Make sure you pick up the latest releases at the Albert Hall

October 10 • The World of Brass trade stand will be packed with musical goodies — from the study score of 'Symphony in Two Movements' to the latest releases from Cory, Tredegar, Brett Baker and the ISB.


Edward Gregson

The composer's viewpoint

October 10 • Edward Gregson talks about 'Symphony in Two Movements' to Dr Robert Childs — as well as previewing it on Radio 3 before the contest day itself.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You will love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!. Contact


Stretford Band

October 11 • Stretford Band (Manchester) has a terrific new MD. Now it needs you! We need bass, trombone and percussion but will welcome anyone who wants to play popular music without the stress of competing. Any ability any age.. Hope to see you soon.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd