*
banner

French National Championship test pieces announced

Oliver Waespi's majestic test piece leads the works to be played at the 2025 French National Championships.

French
  The Championships take place in Metz in 2025

The Confederation Musicale de France (CMF) which runs the French National Brass Band Championships has announced the list of set-works that will be used at the 20th Championship event in Metz on the weekend of the 15th & 16th February 2025.

The event will be held at the City's Congress Centre hosted by the local CMF Moselle and Lorraine organisers

Waespi test

The Championships Section level Honneurs Division bands will perform Oliver Waespi's 'As if a voice were in them...', his creative reflection of the 'nameless force' that dictates the majestic beauty of the topography of the high Swiss Alps and its power to draw deep into a man's soul.

Jonathan Bates of Foden's Band will provide the Division 1 work, 'Out of the storm clouds' with works by Roger Deronge, Philip Harper and Stephan Hodel will test the bands in the other sections.

The defending Division Honneur champion is Hauts de France.

Set Works:

Division Honneur: As if a Voice were in them (Oliver Waespi)
Division 1: Out of the storm clouds (Jonathan Bates)
Division 2: In Flanders Fields (Roger Deronge)
Division 3: 20000 Leagues under the Sea (Philip Harper)
Division 4: Argos (Stephan Hodel)

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    


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd