The death has been announced of Markus S. Bach, one of the pioneering figures of the European brass band movement. He was aged 80.
Born in Saanen in Switzerland, his respected legacy as a player, conductor, adjudicator, educator and administrator was established over a hugely influential musical career.
Initially taught by his father, he later studied music at Bern Conservatoire, majoring in trombone. He also studied under Prof Jules Philippe Godard in Lausanne and at the Royal Academy in London under Don Morrison. His military training came as a Bandmaster and trombonist and he later became the President of the Swiss Military Service Association, initiating a major reorganisation of Swiss Military Music.
Life long passion
In 1970, Markus S. Bach founded the Saanenland Obersimmental Music School, which he went on to lead until 2011, establishing it as a hugely respected teaching institution.
His enthusiasm for the British brass band movement was also a lifelong passion — one ignited when bands such CWS (Manchester) toured Switzerland in the early 1960s. He later said: "I knew I had found the type of music making I wanted."
He was the founding conductor of Brass Band Berner Oberland (1969), as well as the co-founder of the Swiss National Championship (1972), the National Solo & Quartet Championships (1974), National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland (1976), and co-founder of the Swiss Brass Band Association.
Conductor, adjudicator, administrator
During his 22-year tenure as MD of Brass Band Berner Oberland he twice led them to Swiss National title success (1987 and 1990), to the Swiss Entertainment Contest title on five occasions (1987-1991) and to numerous domestic victories.
He also conducted the band at the European Championships — first in 1981 and again in 1983, 1988 and 1991, twice gaining top-six finishes.
As an adjudicator his experience and insight was sought at major events both at home and abroad, including the European Championships, the Kerkrade World Music Contest, Siddis, Swiss, Norwegian, Dutch, Scottish and Irish Championships.
Calm authority
He was initially a member of the Boosey & Hawkes Advisory Board as they sought to establish a European wide banding association which eventually led to the creation in 1995 of the European Brass Band Association. Elected as its first President his calm authority and progressive ideals during his tenure to 2007 widened the event's artistic and commercial outlook.
In his first address message as EBBA President at the 1996 European Championships in Norway, he said that although "traditions must be kept alive", he was determined to make EBBA "forward looking and actively stimulate diversification and new opportunities".
In the years that followed the majority of his aims came to fruition with the addition of new member countries, additional events, commercial partnerships, live streaming and wider media coverage.
Always willing to openly discuss the opportunities as well as challenges faced by EBBA, he gained widespread respect from those who worked and interacted with him. He retired from the role in 2007, becoming its Honorary Lifetime Member.
Award of Merit
Over his career he received many awards and accolades. In 2025, the Swiss Brass Band Association presented him with its Award of Merit, in recognition of his passionate and longstanding commitment to brass music.
Made at the National Championships in Lucerne it was met by a standing ovation in the KKL Hall.
Along with his ever supportive wife Margrith, he also took great joy in the achievements of their musical sons, Philippe and Michael and his wider family.
He once said in an interview: "A third of your life you study and learn. You work another third and you enjoy the final third."
He certainly did that, and his passing has been met with global tributes
Without the tireless dedication and pioneering work of figures such as Markus S. Bach, the Swiss brass band movement would not enjoy the standing it holds todaySwiss Brass Band Association
Deeply saddened
In announcing his passing, the Swiss Brass Band Association (Swiss Brass) said that it was "deeply saddened", adding; "His exceptional career was recognised through numerous awards in Switzerland and internationally, each bearing testimony to the vital role Markus S. Bach played in promoting and developing musical culture.
Without the tireless dedication and pioneering work of figures such as Markus S. Bach, the Swiss brass band movement would not enjoy the standing it holds today.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Margrith, his sons Philippe and Michael, and to his entire family.
Funeral:
The public funeral service will take place on Friday, 25th September at noon at the Mauritius Church in Saanen.
Instead of flowers, his memory can be marked with a donation to the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland — CH77 0634 2016 1110 3480 5, Saanen Bank, payable to the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland, 3283 Kallnach.
