There is still time for bands wishing to compete in the 25th French Open Championships.

The 2019 event has already attracted a healthy entry of competitors, but there is still space for others to join them for what is regarded as one of the most popular European contests in the banding calendar.

Amboise

Organised by the Association des Amis Du Brass Band, ably led by Jacques Gaudet, the setting for this contest is the wonderful town of Amboise in the Loire Valley.

Local sights include the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, the troglodyte houses which are carved into the limestone banks of the River Loire, the amazing gardens at Villandry, and of course the fabulous vineyards.

The setting of the chateau overlooking the Loire is one of the most iconic images in the whole of France, whilst the town itself has an abundance of bars and restaurants.

Time and place

The five section contest will take place on the weekend of 7th to 9th June. The closing date for entries is 17th March 2019.

Those wishing to compete should contact:
Jacques Gaudet: gaudetja@wanadoo.fr
Chris Jeans: chris@chrisjeans.co.uk

Competing bands are invited to perform varied programmes which include a test-piece, whilst there is also a popular Whit Friday styled march competition on the Saturday morning, followed by a 20- minute entertainment programme in an outside setting.

The five section contest will take place on the weekend of 7th to 9th June. The closing date for entries is 17th March 20194BR

Competition test-pieces:

Championship Section: Ascension (Philip Wilby)
First Section: Brass Metamorphosis (James Curnow)
Second Section: Rhapsody in Brass (Dean Goffin)
Third Section: A Cambrian Suite (Michael Ball)
Fourth Section: Prelude, Song & Dance (John Golland)

This year the Gala Concert will be provided by Flowers Band conducted by Paul Holland.

The adjudication teams will consist of Chris Jeans (President), Luc Vertommen, Norbert Pfammatter, Philip Wilby, Peter Collins (march contest), Michel Dubois (entertainment contest)

Further information:

Further information and entry forms can be downloaded from:
www.openamboise.com

English translations are under French text and easy to use tabs above