The four yearly World Music Contest in Kerkrade has confirmed details of its 2026 event with an emphasis it says on musical excellence and youth participation — including a new Youth Brass Band competition and reprise of the World Youth Brass Band.

Improvement

Speaking about the new developments WMC Artistic Manager Bjorn Bus said: "After a WMC, it's customary for us to engage with our participants. We want to understand the challenges they face, what they appreciate, and where they see room for improvement.

These discussions always provide valuable insights, leading to adjustments in the structure of the contests."

Youth Contest and Youth Band

Although the major musical shift applies to the ethos behind the popular competitions for Wind Bands, Fanfare Bands, and Percussion Ensembles, in addition to the new youth band contest there will be a return of the World Youth Brass Band, which Bus said, "was, in our view, a highly successful project."

Bus added: "This band was a unique ensemble formed by young musicians from around the globe who had never met before. They spent a week living and rehearsing together at Rolduc, culminating in several fantastic performances.

The World Youth Brass Band, a project within the WMC Academy, perfectly embodies what WMC stands for: connecting people through music. Wind music transcends cultural and geographic boundaries, and that is the spirit of WMC.

We want musicians to feel inspired and to give even more talented young musicians the chance to participate."

The new Youth Division brass band contest is set for players up to 21 (with some exceptions for certain instruments) with bands to perform a set-test and own choice programme of up to 30 minutes in duration4BR

Youth Division contest

The new Youth Division brass band contest is set for players up to 21 (with some exceptions for certain instruments) with bands to perform a set-test and own choice programme of up to 30 minutes in duration.

The brass band competitions of Youth; Third; Second; First, and Concert (Elite), will be held between Friday 10th July and Sunday 12th July 2026.

The 2022 Champion was Brass Band Willebroek, whilst the section awards went to Brass Band Bacchus, Brass Band Gloria Dei and Brass Band Aukstyn.

A World Youth Percussion Ensemble and a World Youth Wind Band will also be held in 2026.

Further details

Registration for WMC 2026 opens on April 1st, 2025

For information go to: https://wmc.nl/en/participate/wmc-2026