*
banner

Swiss honour for Arsene Duc

The conductor of Valaisia Brass Band is to be presented with the prestigious Stephan Jaeggi Award by the Swiss Musicians Foundation.

aRSEN dUC
  Arsène Duc is to be presented with the prestigious Stephan Jaeggi Award by the Swiss Musicians Foundation.

Valaisia Brass Band heads to the British Open this weekend boosted by the news that their Musical Director Arsène Duc is to be presented with the prestigious Stephan Jaeggi Award by the Swiss Musicians Foundation.

Recognition

First awarded in 1962, it is given in recognition of a remarkable contribution made by a Swiss musician as a composer, arranger or performer.

Recent awardees include composer and performer Pascal Eicher, clarinettist Isabelle Ruf-Weber and composer Oliver Waespi.

Successes

Arsene Duc has been the conductor of Valaisia Brass Band since its formation, inspiring them to incredible success — including seven Swiss National titles and one Swiss Open title.

In 2017 he led them to become the first European band to win the British Open and in 2018 added the European title.

He also led Brass Band Fribiurg to National success on three occasions and won numerous other titles with Fanfare Ancienne Cecilia Chermignon and the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland.

First awarded in 1962, it is given in recognition of a remarkable contribution made by a Swiss musician as a composer, arranger or performer4BR

Melodic output

Jaeggi (1903-1957) was born in Fulenbach in Switzerland, and although at first completing an apprenticeship in mechanics he also displayed a remarkable sense of musicality — writing a dramatic fantasy entitled 'Titanic' aged just 19 which received its premiere in 1922.

His melodic output was influenced by Florent Schmitt, Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

He later went on to write numerous other works, including many military marches as well as become one of the nation's most respected conductors.

Presentation

Arsene Duc will be presented with the award at a concert by Valaisia Band at the Ancienne Cécilia de Chermignon in February 2024.

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.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


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.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd