*
banner

Swiss star steps down from principal role

The outstanding Patrick Vergeres has stepped down as principal cornet of Brass and 13 Etoiles after enjoying a 27 year association with the band — and two decades on the end chair.

Patrick
  Patrick enjoyed 20 years as principal cornet of 13 Etoiles

One of Swiss banding's most respected cornet players has announced his departure from one of the nation's leading elite level bands.

Patrick Vergères has stepped down as principal cornet of Brass and 13 Etoiles after enjoying a 27 year association with the band — and two decades on the end chair.

Honour

It will also mark the first time since the year 2000 that he will not lead them at the Swiss National Championships, as he told 4BR that he wanted to make his decision and leave with the minimum of fuss.

"It's been a position that I have been honoured to hold and I felt now was the best time for me to leave after such a wonderful time. I felt that after 27 years and 20 as principal cornet that the time was right. I wish them all the very best and they will always be close to my heart — and I will remain their biggest fan!"

Loyalty and dedication

Patrick's association and rise through the ranks of 13 Etoiles has been marked by great loyalty and dedication — moving a young player from the organisation's B Band to the A Band — and from Third Cornet to Principal as his playing progressed as his talent blossomed.

He added: "I am so grateful for everything the band has given me. The only thing missing was to be able to help the band win the European Championship, but there have been many other successes to compensate for that — including eight National Championship victories!"

I am so grateful for everything the band has given mePatrick Vergeres

Next generation

During his tenure he gained a worldwide reputation for his playing — marked by a combination of superb technical proficiency and artistic flair.

"Now is the time for the next generation to come through"he said — including his own children, who he hopes will soon join him as he embarks on the next phase of his musical career with Concordia Brass Band in Vétroz.

"I still enjoy playing every day for the pure love of music — and especially when I can hear my children also enjoying doing the same thing.

An exciting new chapter opens with Concordia in Vétroz and I'm really looking forward to it."

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    


Duncan Beckley MBE

Death of Duncan Beckley MBE

September 29 • The death has been announced of Duncan Beckley, a pioneering figure of inspiration within the banding movement.


Fife Charieites

Result: 2025 Fife Charities

September 28 • Haydock claims the honours in Fife


Red Admiral

Results: 2025 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Pemberton Old (Wigan) DW leads the prize winners in a great day of entertainment in Chorley — with section wins for Roberts Bakery, Poulton-le-Fylde, Rivington & Adlington and Driffield Silver.


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

September 29 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd