The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) has announced the 13 conductors selected to participate in the 8th European Conductors Competition in Stavanger in May.

31 entries were received from across Europe with the EBBA Music Commission selecting the participants to be invited to Stavanger.

Schedule

The first round will begin on Sunday 4th May where six conductors will subsequently be chosen to go through to the second round by the competition jury.

That will take place on 6th May with three finalists chosen by a second jury to compete in the final on Thursday 8th May, where each will conduct a major brass band work.

Overall quality

Speaking about the competition, Chris King, chairperson of the EBBA Music Commission, said: "EBBA are delighted with the overall quality of the entries, and the selection process was not straight-forward at all.

The Music Commission could have easily put over 20 entries through to the first round in Stavanger, but the numbers had to be limited."

For the first round, the competitors will work with Norwegian First Division band, Sola Brass. The professional ensemble, Sinfonietta Insimul will be directed in the second round, with the finalists conducting Stavanger Brass.

Participants:

Robin Bartholini (Switzerland)
Neil Brownless (United Kingdom)
Lars Corijn (Belgium)
Tom Ole Elgsaas (Norway)
Roel Laethem (Belgium)
Elisa Lapan (Austria)
Jaap Musschenga (The Netherlands)
Arian Pedersen (Norway)
Florentin Setz (Switzerland)
Eline Storheim (Norway)
Paul van Gils (The Netherlands)
Kristoffer Nikolai Wøien (Norway)
Simon-Emiil Bergstrøm Waage (Norway)