There will be not one, but two European Championships held this year following the news that the draw has been made for the European Championship for Wind Orchestras (ECWO) in Stuttgart in November.
Musical excellence
Ten outstanding ensembles will compete in one of the most prestigious competitions for symphonic wind music, with a spokesperson telling 4BR: "ECWO stands for musical excellence, artistic diversity, and international exchange — and once again promises a weekend full of emotion top-level performances, and inspiring soundscapes."
ECWO will take place as part of BRAWO 2026 from November 21st to 22nd, making it an integral part of one of Europe's most significant wind music events.
Diversity
ECWO President Jan Matthys added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome ten top ensembles from across Europe to Stuttgart. They represent the quality and diversity of the European wind orchestra scene and will offer audiences an unforgettable musical experience."
The competition spans two days and offers audiences a dense program at the highest level. The first six orchestras will perform on Saturday, followed by four more ensembles on Sunday. The ECWO is supported by Adams Musical Instruments, which will provide all percussion equipment, and by SV SparkassenVersicherung.
Draw:
1. Orchestre d'Harmonie des Jeunes de Strasbourg (France)
2. Rødovre Concert Band (Denmark)
3. Christiania Blaseensemble (Norway)
4. Sinfonisches Blasorchester Tirol (Austria)
5. Uppsala Blasarsymfoniker (Sweden)
6. Musikkforeningen Nidarholm (Norway)*
7. Pihalni orkester Zarja Sostanj (Slovenia)
8. Koninklijk HarmonieOrkest Schelle (Belgium)
9. Landesblasorchester Baden-Wurttemberg (Germany)
10. Associazione Bandistica Increscendo APS (Italy)
*defending champion
Further information: www.ecwo.eu
