The Dutch Championship Division band Altena Brass has announced the appointment of Ward de Ketelaere as their new Musical Director. He will succeed Anno Appelo who conducted the band from 2014.

Impressed

The Belgian has already directed Altena as a guest conductor in the past two years in successful concerts in The Netherlands and Germany.

He is the former conductor of the Kortrijk Band, Brass Band Saint Cecilia and the Dutch Delta Brass and is a renowned percussionist with the ensemble BL!INDMAN and the Chamber Orchestra of Belgium.

Band spokesperson Jos Mulkens told 4BR: "We've all been impressed with the rehearsals and concerts Ward has done with us in the past. He is a very experienced conductor and we all are looking forward to working with him in his new role."

I'm honoured to be the new conductor of Altena Brass and I'm looking forward to leading this impressive and ambitious bandWard de Ketelaere

Honoured

In response Ward de Ketelaere added: "I'm honoured to be the new conductor of Altena Brass and I'm looking forward to leading this impressive and ambitious band."

4BR was told that he will officially take up his role on August 17th, with the band conducted by guest conductor Michael Engelbrecht until then. He will make his contesting debut with Altena Brass at the Dutch National Championships in Utrecht in October.