*
banner

Report & Results: 2020 Online Salford Solo Contest

There is a Swiss champion of the first on-line solo international competition run by Salford University student Christopher Hall — as 75 players from around the world take part.

Swiss
  The Swiss planted their flag at the top of the first on-line solo competition peak

The on-line solo competition launched by Salford University student Christopher Hall has proved to be an overwhelming success, with 75 entries from across the banding world taking part.

It made for a difficult task for adjudicators Ben Dixon and Brett Baker as they blind-judged all the recordings.

Great response

Brett told 4BR: "What a great response and what a fantastic standard too — with the top five in particular quite magnificent. The other noticeable thing was the maturity of some of the younger players. Well done to everyone that took part in such a great idea"

Meanwhile, Ben added: "The event has proved to be a huge success and I was also delighted with the standard of the entries, especially the younger entrants who played with such maturity. Congratulations go to everyone.

There was some outstanding quality playing on display."

Brilliant success

The success of the first event has given Christopher to appetite to do it again — although he has spent most of the last few days ensuring every competitor is sent their certificate and their feedback adjudications.

"It's been a brilliant success and has helped me with my studies enormously,"he said. "My thanks go to everyone who took the time to enter — it was incredible to hear players from all across the banding world."

Swiss winner

The overall winner was 16 year old cornet player Oriane Bruckel from Treize Etoile Band in Switzerland, who claimed the title with stunning rendition of Gilles Rocha's 'The Cry of the Soul'.

Just behind came Norwegian trombone star Havard Vaage who performed Christian Lindberg's 'Joe Jack Binglebandit', with the final podium slot also taken by a Swiss representative, flugel player Gabriel Murisier, performing Philip Wilby's 'Flight'.

Such was the standard that just outside the top three came well known players such as 2018 European Solo Championship runner-up, Lionel Fumeaux and the brilliant Norwegian sop player Preben Johansen.

Title winners

Preben did however take the 'Slow Melody' award with his sinuous rendition of Debussy's 'Syrinx', whilst Gabriel Murisier took the 'Best Student' accolade.

Up and coming euphonium star Sebastian Rowe took the 13-15 years of age title with his performance of 'The Nightingale', whilst the 12 & Under award was claimed by cornet player Jennifer Richardson playing 'Song of the Night Sky'.

The youngest player was the brilliant Glyn Stokes, aged 7, who gave a cracking performance of 'Strollin' on cornet.

What a great response and what a fantastic standard too — with the top five in particular quite magnificentAdjudicator, Brett Baker

Results:


Overall:


1. Oriane Bruckel (cornet)
2. HÃ¥vard Vaage (trombone)
3. Gabriel Murisier (flugel)
4. Arnaud Deleze (baritone)
5. Lionel Fumeaux (bass trombone)
6. Preben Johansen (soprano cornet)
7. Douglas Couchman (cornet)
8. Philipp Buri (baritone)
9. Jonah Zimmerman (euphonium)
10. Lucie Vergere (tuba)

Best Cornet: Oriane Bruckel
Best Horn: Gabriel Murisier
Best Baritone: Arnaud Deleze
Best Euphonium: Jonah Zimmerman
Best Tenor Trombone: Havard Vaage
Best Bass Trombone: Lionel Fumeaux
Best Tuba: Lucie Vergere
Best Percussion: Jordan Ashman
Best Unaccompanied Solo: Oriane Bruckel
Best Air & Variation: Lionel Fumeaux

Slow Melody:


1. Preben Johansen
2. Harry Law
3. Ellie Warren

Best Student:


Gabriel Murisier

16-18:


1: Oriane Brückel (cornet)
2. Harry Law (euphonium)
3. Megan Newbery (cornet)

13-15:


1. Sebastian Rowe (euphonium)
2. Lia Teague (cornet)
3. Joseph Pickard (cornet)

12 & Under:


1. Jennifer Richardson (cornet)
2. Michael MacDonald (cornet)
3. Noomi Helene Aasen (cornet)

Youngest Player: Glyn Stokes (7) — Strollin' (cornet)

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.


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


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.


Croy Silver Band

July 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but always welcomes enquiries for any section of the band.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd