The British Open Championship has confirmed that Martyn Brabbins, Arsene Duc and David Hirst will form the adjudication panel for the 172nd event at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Saturday 12 September.

They will cast their opinions on the 19 performances of Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres', as Brighouse & Rastrick defends its title against a world class field that includes international visitors Sydney City Brass from Australia and the Belgians of Brass Band Willebroek.

Prestige

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The panel brings together championship-winning conducting, international orchestral pedigree and a lifetime's experience inside the brass band movement, reflecting the scale and prestige of the world's oldest and most famous brass band contest."

Adjudicators

Martyn Brabbins is an internationally acclaimed orchestral conductor, recently appointed Chief Conductor of the Malmo Symphony and the Symphony Orchestra of India.

The former Music Director of English National Opera and current Chair and Professor of Conducting at the Royal College of Music has a long brass band association that has recently seen him accept the role as President of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He makes his second appearance as an adjudicator.

Arsene Duc is the highly respected Musical Director of Swiss National Champion, Valaisia Brass Band. He has led the band to nine Swiss National titles, a British Open success in 2017 as well as winning the European Championship in 2018.

He was named 4barsrest Conductor of the Year in 2018 and 2021 and has adjudicated at the National Championships of Great Britain, Norway and The Netherlands, as well as the European Championships.

David Hirst returns for a second successive appearance.

One of the UKs most respected judges, his CV also includes extensive elite level experience as a player and conductor to add to over thirty years adjudicating across every level from Youth to Championship Section.

Tickets:

Tickets for the 2026 British Open Championships can be purchased at:

https://bmusic.co.uk/events/the-172nd-british-open-brass-band-championship