*
banner

Report & Result: 2018 Austrian National Championship

Brass Band Oberosterreich returns to the top of the National podium in Linz to secure their place at the European Championships in Montreux next year.

Oberostereich
  Ian Porthouse leads Brass Band Oberosterreich to the Austrian National Championship title in Linz

Brass Band Oberosterreich comfortably reclaimed the Austrian National Championship title in Linz after producing a brace of polished performances under the direction of Ian Porthouse.

There was little doubt that the three time champion was in line to claim a fourth success on the stage of the magnificent Bruknerhaus perched on the banks of the River Danube, after delivering a high-class rendition of 'Metropolis 1927' followed later in the day by an imposing account of 'From Ancient Times' as their own-choice selection.

They will now represent the nation at the 2019 European Championships in Montreux after securing the honour with a five-point margin of victory that was a clear indication of their superiority.

Always in control

It was also one marked by a display of controlled dynamics, warm tonality, secure technique and classy main solo lines, with the judges describing their performance of the Peter Graham work in their written remarks as 'inspired' and 'always in control', whilst their own-choice was 'full of great sounds' and 'excellent transparency'.

However, there was a surprise behind them, as the emerging R.E.T Brass Band came second ahead of defending champion Brass Band Froschl Hall, with Austrian Brass Band Graz in fourth.

Led by Andreas Lacker, R.E.T Brass Band produced solid renditions of both the set-work and their own-choice of 'Fraternity' despite occasional fragilities, whilst the dynamically powerful Brass Band Froschl Hall under Luc Vertommen perhaps lacked dynamic contrast despite the confident execution, especially in their own-choice rendition of 'Perihelion-Closer to the Sun.'

And whilst there was disappointment for Austrian Brass Band Graz in coming fourth, they will have known that an uneven execution of their own-choice of 'Variations on an Enigma' in particular meant that they couldn't catch onto the coat tails of their rivals despite the cultured interpretations of MD Anne van den Berg.

Delighted

There was no such disappointment for the winners however, as Brass Band Oberosterreich produced a level of overall quality that was a clear margin ahead of their rivals.

"I'm delighted for the band,"MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR after the results. "There is such determination about the players to work hard and learn from substantial brass band repertoire — an ethos that you can tell comes from their professional musical careers.

The organisation by Thomas Beiganz is superb and it's always a pleasure to come here to conduct. The win was deserved and I know they are now looking forward to the European Championships in Montreux."

Great deal

In response Thomas told 4BR that the victory meant a great deal for the band. "We so much enjoy Ian conducting us, and we want to keep improving and competing against the very best bands in Europe. Last year was a surprise to us, but one we have learned from. Being Austrian National Champion means a great deal and is a huge honour."

The contest formed part of a high profile four day series of 'Brass Festival' events in the city — one that saw Tredegar Band give a substantial Gala Concert performance that included a stunning rendition of Edward Gregson's new 'Euphonium Concerto' played by David Childs, as well as masterclass and concert performances from London Brass and leading Austrian wind ensembles.

The organisation by Thomas Beiganz is superb and it's always a pleasure to come here to conduct. The win was deserved and I know they are now looking forward to the European Championships in MontreuxIan Porthouse

Result:

Championship Section:


Adjudicators: Oliver Waespi, Bert van Theinen, Florent Didier
Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Brass Band Oberosterreich (Ian Porthouse): 95/94 = 189*
2. R.E.T Brass Band (Andreas Lackner): 92/91 = 183
3. Brass Band Froschl Hall (Luc Vertommen): 89/90 = 179
4. Austrian Brass Band Graz (Anne van den Berg): 87/85 = 172

*Will represent Austria at the 2019 European Championships in Montreux

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band are looking for a positive and dynamic leader who can further develop our players skills & aid us in our aspirations of reaching the 1st section.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd