The European Brass Band Association has made a further positive move in the ongoing discussions over the possible hosting of its 2020 Championships in Palanga.

In the latest correspondence seen by 4BR, and written to Sarunas Vaitkus, the Mayor of the Municipality of Palanga Town, EBBA General Secretary Kor Niehof expresses the willingness of EBBA 'to discuss options to organize the EBBC 2020 in Palanga'.

Solution

Furthermore, he goes on to add that it is understood from the acoustic experts that, '…it should be possible to find a solution for the acoustic issues in the Palanga Concert Hall' so that electronic enhancement 'is not required during the competition performances'.

In what can be seen as a further sign of EBBA's willingness to make constructive progress, it was also confirmed that EBBA Music Commission Chairman, Paul Hindmarsh will attend a composer conference later this month to hopefully 'discuss the way forward and re-engage with the local organizers in Palanga'.

Stanchion points

However, EBBA has also been clear to point out that their move towards further dialogue and discussion does come with certain non-negotiable stanchion points.

Most notably these emphasise that the hall acoustic for the contest, 'needs to be fully acceptable without an electronic sound system', whilst 'exact timings' to meet and agree deadlines must also be put in place.

The deadline placed by EBBA appears to be May 2018 following a gala concert to be given by Brass Band Willebroek during the Lithuanian National Championships.

The letter states that 'any deadline beyond May 2018 could not be contemplated', whilst further consideration 'before a possible contract is signed' may also be required over the hosting requirements for the soloist competition and conductor competition.

'...it should be possible to find a solution for the acoustic issues in the Palanga Concert Hall' so that electronic enhancement 'is not required during the competition performances'contents of letter by EBBA General Secretary Kor Niehof

Cautious optimism

Supporters of Palanga's bid who have spoken to 4BR have greeted the contents of the correspondence with cautious optimism, especially as it contains the proposal put forward by EBBA to meet with a Lithuanian delegation perhaps as early as January or February 2018 to 'discuss a detailed time-line and plan towards a possible EBBC 2020 in Palanga'.

However, they also noted that EBBA also reiterates that as this is a very tight schedule, they 'will actively consider other countries to host the event in 2020', although Kor Niehof ends his correspondence by stating that 'we are looking forward to reestablishing our contact towards the possible organization of the EBBC in Palanga'.