Valaisia Brass Band was crowned Swiss National Champion for the eighth time following a thrilling contest of fluctuating excellence and surprising expectations in Luzerne.

For the second successive year the title was secured without the winning band topping either the set-work or own-choice disciplines, as Valaisia's runner-up finishes on 'The Lost Circle' by Jan Van der Roost and their new commission, 'This World' by Thomas Doss secured overall victory.

First time no winner

However, for the first time since the two-leg format started in 2004, a band that did top each discipline failed to finish in the overall podium positions.

First, Brass Band Berner Oberland headed the set-work on the Saturday only to come eighth the following day and fifth overall. Meanwhile, defending champion Brass Band Treize Etoile ended fourth, unable to regain lost set-work ground in coming sixth, despite topping the own-choice element playing 'A Gabrieli Fantasy'.

Reward came from consistency: The impressive runner-up Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisian finishing third and fourth over the two days, with third placed Brassband Burgermusik Luzern coming fourth and third respectively.

Relief

Understandably then, as Valaisia MD Arsene Duc and his players lifted the Excellence Division trophy in celebration on the stage of the KKL Hall, there was a palpable sense of relief to go with knowing they will now head to Stavanger to represent the nation at the 2025 European Championships.

Both Glenn Van Looy (who won the 'Best Soloist' award for his contribution to their own-choice work) and principal cornet Vincent Bearpark acknowledged to 4BR that the band hadn't performed at the very best on the set-work, whilst MD, Arsene Duc simply blew out his cheeks in admitting that he felt the result was going "to be very close".

And as they revealed, title aspirations certainly wavered over the two days, even if Valaisia's eventual margin of victory looked comfortable on paper.

It was anything but.

Didn't materialise

The expectations of the audience packed into the Salle Blanche for the set-work were certainly high, although for the judges James Gourlay, Bert Piqueur and Sheona Wade perched high behind a vast sheet on the third tier of the acoustically superb hall, it certainly didn't materialise from the pre-contest favourites.

First Luzern, followed by Treize Etoiles and Valaisia produced thrilling, if flawed accounts that left the door open for rivals who eagerly made the most of their opportunity; first Valaisian with a vibrantly absorbing 'Lost Circle', led by Jean-Francois Bobillier, followed by Berner Oberland with their more considered approach under MD, Veronique Gyger.

Own-choice pyrotechnics

The following day came the own-choice pyrotechnics for Tom Hutchinson, Ian Porthouse and Luc Vertommen to evaluate — a task made even more difficult with two new works given world premieres.

In the end, Treize Etoile's virtuosic 'A Gabrieli Fantasy' tipped the heavyweight scales ahead of Valaisia's engrossing 'This World' and Luzern's thrilling 'Jesus in Tibet'.

Behind them also came performances of huge technical brilliance, even if the musical substance seemed somewhat diluted.

At times it was the musical equivalent of the latest hi-tech roller coaster being erected outside the hall on the banks of Lake Lucern — the listener left giddy by the countless twists and turns, gravity defying loops and blur of speed.

You weren't queuing up to buy a ticket for a second go any time soon though.

Intake of breath

The exceptional quality of the top three bands, playing within a percentage point or two of their very best was marked though, with many believing that the final result was to found between them.

Not so.

The sharp intake of breath that greeted the emerging results was an indication of the communal surprise as Fribourg in sixth was followed by Berner Oberland and then Treize Etoiles. A further murmur greeted Luzern in third with shout of joy for Valaisian as runner-up, their best result since 2015.

Finally, came the announcement of Valaisia as they were declared champion after a contest unlike any other in the event's 49-year history.

Elite Division:

There was also a return to the top of the podium for Brass Band Emmental after a contest in which the trio of pre-contest favourites certainly delivered on expectations on Philip Wilby's imposing 'Red Priest' set-work.

Since 2019 the Elite Division title has been shared between Emmental, defending champion Ensemble de Cuivres Euphonia and BML Talents, and once again they showed their qualities in filling the top three places.

The early draw marker was set by Emmental in the 10-band field, as MD Jan Muller drew an evocative musical narrative from the score, full of atmosphere and stylish nuance.

Snapping at their heels through the frozen alleyways of Venice, let alone the snow filled streets of Lucerne came the remarkable youngsters of BML Talents.

They once again showed why the future of Swiss banding is filled with huge optimism — showcased by the contribution of their wonderful 'Best Principal Cornet' prize winner. Euphonia rounded off the event with a late surge of dramatic impulse to end third.

Behind them, bands did find the Vivaldi inspired score to be a demanding test, although the overall standard was still very high from top-six finishers Regional Brass Band Bern, Brass Band Rickenbach and Brass Band Eglisau.

First Division:

There could have been no more delighted players on the weekend than those of mgrr Brass Band, as they secured a first National title in 40 years led by MD, Roman Caprez.

Although they had come close since that 1984 triumph, on this occasion no rival could deny them as their wonderfully constructed rendition of John Golland's 'Sounds' found favour with the judges.

In what was a startlingly high quality contest, second place went to Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus as they came close to their first title since 2013, with the fast rising Brass Band Thurgau in third.

Just a point further back was Universal Brass Band Wil to complete a top four that wouldn't have been out of place playing against Grand Shield rivals in the UK. The remaining top-six places went to Brass Band Lotschental and RosAlp Brass Band, whilst defending champion, Brass Band Treize B was ninth.

Second Division:

It proved to be a memorable weekend for conductor Jan Muller who claimed a personal 'double' of National title successes in also leading Musik Frohsinn Oberburg to victory in the Second Division.

The level of performances of Dorothy Gates' colourful set-work 'Hope' was very high — and appreciated by the audience that was also packed into the Luzerner Saal auditorium, with queues outside the door to grab a seat.

Once again Jan Muller drew an evocative musical narrative from the early draw for Oberburg that repelled a host of excellent rivals that followed; the ensemble excitement balanced by tailored dynamics and ensemble clarity backed by fine individual contributions.

Second place for the second year in a row went to Constellation Brass Band, as the 2019 winner came close to reclaiming the title, with Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach in third.

The remaining top-six places went to defending champion Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt ahead of Brass Band Abinchova and Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia B.

Third Division:

The Third Division bands certainly showed that there is a rich seam of quality running deep within many Swiss banding communities, with nine finely directed performances of Fredrick Schjelderup's upbeat 'Festive Fireworks' set-work.

None came better for the judges Philippe Bach, Ludovic Neurohr and Oliver Waespi than Brass Band Grubetal, as led by MD Joram Bots and aided by their prize winning 'Best Horn Section' they secured a clear two point margin of victory thanks to their balanced appreciation of style and substance over its three contrasting movements.

It also gave the band their second National title in three years, just ahead of rivals Brass Band Musikgesellschaft Geiss, with Brass Band Zurich in third. The remaining top-six places went to MG Brass Band Rehetobel, Brass Band Solothun and Brass Band Munsingen.

Fourth Division:

The Fourth Division competition is something of a youth showcase at the championships, with the quartet of contenders all from the local region.

The quality of playing on Malcolm Arnold's 'Little Suite for Brass No. 1' showed great maturity and understanding. Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band led by Noah Gutheinz pipped close rivals Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt with Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band and defending champion Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee close behind.

Swiss polish

The KKL Hall in Lucerne has provided a wonderful temporary home for the Swiss National Championships for the past two years, and with the earmarked return to the Montreux Convention Centre in 2025 dependent on its extensive refurbishment being completed on time, few people will complain if it is held here once again.

The professionalism of the Swiss organisers is also a benchmark for other National events to emulate — reflected in meeting band's needs with player numbers and draws made 24 hours before hand, to full house audiences, an impressive raft of sponsors, strict time tables and joyful result presentations.

The contest structures are based on excellence and the ethos of competition respected, whilst the promotion of the event is one that embraces the desire to reach out into city, region, the nation and beyond.

However, it is the sense of a youthful, modern, outwardly looking inclusivity that permeates everything as the event looks towards its 50th anniversary next year.

Iwan Fox

title aspirations certainly wavered over the two days, even if Valaisia's eventual margin of victory looked comfortable on paper. It was anything but4BR

Results:

Excellence Division:

Adjudicators:
Set Work: James Gourlay, Bert Piqueur, Sheona Wade
Own Choice: Ian Porthouse, Luc Vertommen, Tom Hutchinson

Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc): 2/2 = 4
2. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Jean-Francois Bobillier): 3/4 = 7*
3. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern (Michael Bach): 4/3 = 7
4. Brass Band Treize Etoiles (Frederic Theodoloz): 6/1 = 7
5. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Veronique Gyger): 1/8 = 9
6. Brass Band Fribourg A (Florent Didier): 8/6 = 14*
7. Liberty Brass Band (Stefan Roth): 9/5 = 14
8. Oberaargauer Brass Band (Herve Grelat): 5/10 = 15
9. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien A (Thomas Wyss): 7/9 = 16
10. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia A (Vincent Baroni): 10/7 = 17

*Set test mark takes precedent

Best Tuba Section on Set Work: Valaisia
Best Soloist on Own Choice: Glenn Van Looy (Valaisia)

Elite Division:

Adjudicators: Ian Porthouse, Luc Vertommen, Tom Hutchinson
Set Work: Red Priest (Philip Wilby)

1. Brass Band Emmental (Jan Muller): 96
2. BML Talents (Patrick Ottiger): 95
3. Ensemble de cuivres Euphonia (Glenn Van Looy): 94
4. Regional Brass Band Bern (Manuel Renggli): 92
5. Brass Band Rickenbach (Florian Lang): 91
6. Brass Band Eglisau (Andreas Buri): 90
7. Graubunden Brass (Gian Stecher): 89
8. Brass Band Cazis (Robin Bartholini): 87
9. Brass Band Harmonie Neuenkirch (Manuel Imhof): 86*
10. Brass Band Kirchenmusik Fluhli (Peter Stadelmann): 85*

Best Principal Cornet: BML Talents
*Relegation from Division

First Division:

Adjudicators: James Gourlay, Bert Piqueur, Sheona Wade
Set Work: Sounds (John Golland)

1. mgrr Brass Band (Roman Caprez): 96
2. Ensemble de Cuivres AMBITUS (Damien Lagger): 95
3. Brass Band Thurgau (Daniel Gubler): 94
4. Universal Brass Band Wil (Gian Stecher): 93
5. Brass Band Lotschental (Yvan Lagger): 90
6. Brass Band RosAlp (David Bonvin): 89
7. AEW Concert Brass Fricktal (Florentin Setz): 87
8. Brass Band MG Reiden (Roland Froscher): 86
9. Brass Band Treize Etoiles B (Lionel Fumeaux): 85
10. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg A (Philipp Werlen): 84
11. Brass Band Fribourg B (Aurelien Darbellay): 82
=12. Brass Band Breitenbach (Reto Naf): 80
=12. Brass Band Feldmusik Knutwil (Enrico Calzaferri): 80

Best Soprano: Brass Band Thurgau

Second Division:

Adjudicators: Philippe Bach, Oliver Waespi, Ludovic Neurohr
Set Work: Hope (Dorothy Gates)

1. Musik Frohsinn Oberburg (Jan Muller): 97
2. Constellation Brass Band B (Olivier Vergeres): 96
3. Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach (Luca Frischknecht): 95
4. Brass Band Feldmusik Escholzmatt (Boris Oppliger): 94
5. Brass Band Abinchova (Armin Bachmann): 93
6. Ensemble de Cuivres Melodia B (Bastien Albiez): 92
7. Oberwalliser Brass Band (Tobias Salzgeber): 91
8. Feldmusik Buttisholtz (Dani Battig): 90
9. Societe de musique Brass Band de Lignieres (Cyril Perrenoud): 89
10. Brass Band Zell (Beat Ochs): 88
11. Liberty Brass Band Junior (Stefan Roth): 87
12. Musikverein Kunten (Stefan Marki): 86
13. Brass Band Nordwestschweiz (Reto Naf): 85
14. Brass Band Imperial Lenzburg B (Daniel Schrenk): 84
15. Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior (Joram Bots): 83
16. Brass Band Junior Valaisan (Fabien Beney): 82

Best Percussion: Brass Band Harmonie Rickenbach

Third Division:

Adjudicators: Philippe Bach, Oliver Waespi, Ludovic Neurohr
Set Work: Festive Fireworks (Fredrick Schjelderup)

1. Brass Band Gurbetal (Joram Bots): 95
2. Brass Band Musikgesellschaft Geiss (Roland Wyrsch): 93
3. Brass Band Zurich (Werner Kubli): 92
4. Musikgesellschaft Brass Band Rehetobel (Benjamin Markl): 91
5. Brass Band Solothurn (Andreas Ziegelback): 90
6. Brass Band Munsingen (Chritoph Hertig): 89
7. Musikgesellschaft Aesch-Mosen (Michael Barnet): 88
8. Musikgesellschaft Durrenasch (Matic Tomazic): 87
9. Ensemble de Cuivres Jurassien B (Florian Lab): 86

Best Horn Section: Brass Band Gurbetal

Fourth Division:

Adjudicators: Bert Piqueur, James Gourlay, Sheona Wade
Set Work: Little Suite for Brass Band No. 1 (Malcolm Arnold)

1. Entlebucher Jugend Brass Band (Noah Gutheinz): 93
2. Jugend Brass Band Michelsamt (Joel Spitaleri): 92
3. Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band (Luca Frischknecht): 89
4. Jugend Brass Band Oberer Sempachersee (Mattia Klaus): 88

Best Principal Cornet: Hinterlander Jugend Brass Band

All images copyright and courtesy of Etienne Bornet