Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern will enjoy a high profile celebration concert appearance ahead of their forthcoming challenge to claim a second European Championship title success in Montreux later this year.
Led by Music Director Michael Bach they will perform at the magnificent KKL Concert Hall in their home city on 23rd March in an event that also sees them share the stage with their BML Talents Band conducted by Patrick Ottiger.
Thanks
Started in 1998, the event attracts a packed audience of over 1500 supporters and brass band lovers, and comes just a few months after both bands enjoyed success at the Swiss National Championships — with the senior Luzern band coming runner-up in the Excellence Division after a nail-biting battle with rivals Valaisia, and BML Talents coming fourth in a very strong First Division.
Speaking to 4BR, Michael Bach said the concert has become a huge success and provide the organisation with the ideal opportunity to thank as well as entertain the people of their home city.
"We enjoy great support and are proud to represent Luzern. The aim is to showcase what we can do, so we balance the lightweight entertainment with serious repertoire — from a 'Champagne Tango' by Manuel Aroztegui to 'Concerto Grosso' by Derek Bourgeois. There are solo and duets and a great massed band finish."
2014 triumph
Michael added that the concert will also give Luzern a boost before they return to the European Championship eager to repeat their historic 2014 triumph.
"This of course will be our next aim and we can't wait to compete against possibly the finest ever field at a European Band contest — with no less than six former champions taking part.
The Stravinski Hall is a stunning venue and the performances are sure to be incredible — with ours helped by so many of our supporters who are already waiting to book their tickets."
This of course will be our next aim and we can't wait to compete against possibly the finest ever field at a European Band contest — with no less than six former champions taking partMichael Bach
Opera
Looking further forward, Michael revealed that 2020 will also see the band perform the music to a newly written opera production by composer Manuel Renggli.
"That's also so exciting to be involved in at Luzern Opera House,"he added. "There will be ten performances in the initial run in early 2020, and I'm sure there will be more leading from that — perhaps all the way up to the band's 100th anniversary in 2022!"
