Belgian conductor Luc Vertommen has been appointed the new Musical Director of Dutch Championship Section ensemble, Brass Band Rijnmond. It sees him make a welcome return to the Dutch banding movement. He takes over the role at the end of May.

Considerable success

The hugely experienced conductor has enjoyed considerable success conducting in his home country as well as across Europe and the UK. For many years he led the emergence of Brass Band Buizingen as a leading contesting force — claiming four Belgian National titles in the process.

He has also conducted the likes of Grimethorpe Colliery, Carlton Main Frickley, 3BA Concert Brass and Brass Band Froschl Hall, whilst since 2013 he has spearheaded the success of Hauts de France as a leading elite level competitor.

After the collaboration with Delta Brass in the period between 2005 and 2010, I would like to return to undertake something special with a band with such a wonderful history and exciting future as Brassband RijnmondLuc Vertommen

French champions

They have since won five French Championship Section National titles as well as a brace of Flemish Open successes, whilst they have also gained two top-six finishes at the European Championships. The band came eighth in Malmo at the event last weekend.

Speaking about his new appointment which he will undertake alongside his current roles, he said: "'I look forward to conducting a Dutch brass band again.

After the collaboration with Delta Brass in the period between 2005 and 2010, I would like to return to undertake something special with a band with such a wonderful history and exciting future as Brassband Rijnmond."

Rijnmond last won the Dutch National Championship in 2008 although they claimed the French Open in 2014 and Dutch Open in 2015 and 2016.