*
banner

World's first brass band opera set for Swiss premiere

A full scale opera production with brass band music will be premiered in Switzerland this weekend

Luzrne
  The opera has a brass band soundtrack — with the music inspired by brass band composers

The world's first opera written with full brass band accompaniment is to be performed in Lucerne.

'Dschungel' ('Jungle') has been specially commissioned by the Luzerner Theater (Opera House of Lucerne) and will see former European Champion Brass Band Bürgermusik Luzern play a central role under the baton of Michael Bach.

The first performance takes place on Saturday 8th February and will be followed by another 10 up to April.

The libretto has been written by Michael Fehr, a renowned artist from Berne, and is set to music by young Swiss Composer Manuel Renggli, who has conducted at the highest level at the Swiss National Championships and written for the brass band medium.

Ground breaking

Speaking to 4BR about ground breaking production, Michael Bach said: "This is a huge project and one we are honoured to be part of. There are around 30 actors and singers involved on stage, so it is a very complex and exciting work with an ever-changing backdrop.

We can't wait for the performance — it really is a major artistic step forward for the brass band movement in Switzerland and beyond."

There are around 30 actors and singers involved on stage, so it is a very complex and exciting work with an ever-changing backdropMichael Bach

Brass band influences

Michael revealed that the music is inspired by several influences — hip-hop, rap, jazz, traditional operatic stanzas and brass band repertoire, including works by Oliver Waespi, Paul McGhee and Thomas Doss.

"Brass band music is a central part of the production and leads the storyline — one which tells the tale of a girl called Brahma who loses herself in a world of despair and drugs.

However, she is saved by several animals which bring her into the jungle to recover, so that she can return back into her own world full of renewed confidence."

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd