A winning performance described as "a joy to listen to" saw Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaim the Dutch National title.

Their first win since 2022 was also a 'double Dutch' victory under Paul Holland, with the appropriately surnamed MD of Flowers Band leading a commanding rendition of the set-work, 'Perihelion — Close to the Sun' to add to their success together in 2019.

Infused with a collective confidence as vibrantly coloured as their famous orange shirts, its precision clarity and considered dynamic balances brokered little argument as thunderous applause greeted its conclusion. It was a fitting final band climax to an absorbing contesting weekend at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht.

Euro trip

Further enhanced by the prize-winning 'Best Euphonium' contribution of Gerbrich Greidanus, their eighth title success also saw Schoonhoven book their place to represent the nation at the 2028 European Championships in Birmingham.

The clear two-point margin of victory over Brassband Rijnmond, with Brassband De Waldsang a further two points behind in third was richly deserved.

In a contest that saw the majority of the eight band field stretched to their limits, a hard-working account from Soli Brass was fourth, ahead of Provinciale Brass Band Groningen with defending champion De Bazuin Oenkerk in sixth.

In his pre-results address, adjudicator Jan Van der Roost congratulated the composer Philip Sparke (who unfortunately could not make the event) on the musical quality, as well the technical difficulty of his set-work — a hugely demanding combination only really mastered by the top two bands.

As the contest progressed he (alongside Margaret S. Antrobus and Andrea Price) found themselves comparing performances of increasing quality after De Bazuin Oenkerk set a somewhat inconsistent marker from the number 1 draw.

Imprint

Schoonhoven's account had an unmistakable imprint — Jan repeatedly emphasising his satisfaction in his written remarks with exclamation marks added to the adjectives of excellence.

Meanwhile, Andrea said that it contained "some incredible moments" that were "musically and technically assured" in a "wonderful performance". Margaret simply summed up her remarks by saying that she "loved it" and that it was "a joy to listen to".

For Paul Holland it was another memorable European success, and one that he thoroughly enjoyed. "It's been a great two weeks working with the band. The commitment and determination to regain the title came though in every rehearsal, and the confidence on stage made it such an enjoyable experience.

They deserve all the success that comes their way: It's a great band, great organisation and has players who are prepared to work as hard as possible to gain success. It's been brilliant to work with them and claim a second title together."

One of the very best

Speaking to the players, they spoke of the inspiration Paul brought to them, with principal cornet Denis Vork saying that it had been "one of the very best performances" he had been part of.

It was certainly one that had a commanding swagger about it. The classy individual contributions from sop to tuba and controlled percussion section added to an imposing ensemble sound that only occasionally sounded brash by the time it reached the newly positioned adjudicator's box perched on the first tier at the back of the hall.

Vertommen experience

Rijnmond also tempered their usually vibrant approach as Luc Vertommen used all his experience to balance swagger and delicacy to come runner-up for the second time in three years. Just occasional moments of unease separated them a first success since 2023.

The top-two were clear of the chasing field, although Rieks van der Velde yet again showcased his talents is leading a rebuilt 2024 champion Brassband De Waldsang into third with their purposeful account.

The ever consistent Soli Brass was fourth for the third consecutive year as MD Anne van den Berg led them for the final time, whilst Provincial Brassband Groningen and De Bazuin Oeknerk gave contrasting performances of excitement and defiance to complete the top-six ahead of inconsistent accounts from Brassband de Spijkerpakken and Altena Brass.

First Division:

On a day when he conducted three performances in different divisions (with de Waldsang in the top section and Martini Brassband in the Second) Rieks van der Velde claimed a 22nd National victory as he led Brass Band Excelsior Zalk the First Division title.

His expertly mixed narrative of visceral excitement and contemplative reflection in Geert Jan Kroon's colourful 'Inner Citadel' retelling of the life of stoic Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, gave the band their second title success in three years.

Four to one

Much like the Roman year of the 'Four Emperors' in AD69, an enjoyable contest saw a trio of rivals all made a bold bid at claiming the title for themselves — only to be finally overcome by the fourth and final contender in Excelsior Zalk.

First it was Brassband Bruekelen from the number 1 draw to eventually finish third, followed soon after by runner-up Brassband Oefening en Uitspanning and defending champion Brassband Amersfoort.

Almost grasped

Each almost grasped the title laurels — MD, Pieter Koster cleverly emphasising the episodic contrasts of the score with Brukelen, whilst Vincent Verhage's more measured approach with Amersfoort grew in intensity and purpose from start to finish.

The filmatic approach of Yves Wuyts with Oefening en Uitspanning though seemed to have won the day before Rieks van der Velde conjured his legions into title winning action.

Reflecting on their success the band later said on their Facebook page: "We look back with pride on a fantastic day! A huge thank you to our loyal fans! With you all around, it's always a party and we feel incredibly supported. We're going to enjoy this victory and take that beautiful trophy home!"

Second Division:

De Bazuin Oenkerk B also retained their hold on the Second Divion laurels with an authoritative victory under Martijn Oostra.

It was an impressive success on Dennis Hazenoot's inventive set-work, 'The Necessity of Renewal' which took inspiration from fragmentary nods of diverse appreciation — from German philosopher Goethe and classical music giants Bach, Handel and Beethoven, to Robert Simpson, John McCabe, Edward Gregson and film composer Jerry Goldsmith.

The intoxicating amalgam of an original theme and six variations was certainly demanding, although the informed approaches of the MDs made for engaging listening, with the top two in particular giving performances of high all-round class.

Musical style

That was especially evident with the free-flowing musical style and expression of the winner, with texture and colour blended into a reading of stylish substance by the MD. It was a deserved victory.

Just behind came Brass Band Schoonhoven as they came runner-up for the third time in five years with a performance of brightness and energy, whilst Greidebrass was third after they gave a neatly balanced marker off the number 1 draw.

Just behind came accounts of merit from Martini Brassband, Brass Band Exclesior Ferwert and Brassband Loft den Heer.

Third Division:

Friday saw the Third and Fourth Division bands battle for honours.

There was also a successful title defence by Koperensemble de Waldsang, as led by Bienze Ijlstra they won the Third Division with a fine rendition of Philip Harper's arrangement of Meindart Boekel's overture, 'Spirit of Life'.

It made for an appropriately uplifting contest — the musical craftsmanship of Boekel's original wind band version enhanced by the Cory MD's insightful re-scoring that retained its appealing character as well as deceptive musical challenges.

Merit

Each of the seven contenders produced performances of merit — something noted by adjudicator David Morton (joined by Erik van der Kolk and Jane Westervik) who pointed out that in their opinion there were three bands that could have won, and quite a few players who also made a fine mark with their individual contributions.

In the end though he said they had an "outstanding" winner in a notable account of style and substance from Koperensemble de Waldsang, whose MD "brought so much out of the score".

Close on their heels came Apollo with a rendition which also captured the musical essence of the original to claim their best finish at the event since 2015, whilst the same was true of Blaast de Bazuin in third who rounded off the contest with a rendition of vibrant character.

Fourth Division:

There was an impressive winner of the Fourth Division, as Brassband UDI conducted by Marco Middleburg finally banished three years of near miss runner-up finishes, to claim a first National title success.

As with the Third Division, adjudicator David Morton spoke how he, Erik van der Kolk and Jane Westervik were impressed by the overall standard on Jan der Haan's neatly packaged 'Pioneers of the Past', which tested musical insight as well as technical proficiency.

Seven up

David in fact said that there were "seven excellent performances" — the closeness of which in comparison was shown by just a single point margin between each in the final results.

The best though had shown "consistency in all performance aspects", with UDIs notable bold adventure taking the honours just ahead of a neatly navigated approach by Alkmaar Brass and Brassband Bernlef, with the others close behind.

Championships move towards future

Yet again the NBK organisers, led by Chairperson Ale Nicolai produced a fine contesting weekend — with four commissioned works to go with their own tribute to composer Philip Sparke in the Championship Division.

In consultation with bands, the adjudication tent was also moved to a new position, whilst all 40 performances were recorded by brassband.tv.

There was also a wonderful reception given to the hugely respected Pieter van Diepen, who took his final bow as a driving force behind the event in many different capacities, although a new generation of administrators have already been put in place to further enhance the event's profile in the years to come.

Iwan Fox

It was certainly one that had a commanding swagger about it. The classy individual contributions from sop to tuba and controlled percussion section added to an imposing ensemble sound4BR

Results:

Championship Division:

Adjudicators: Margie S Antrobus; Andrea Price; Jan Van der Roost
Test Piece: Perihelion: Closer to the Sun (Philip Sparke)

1. Brass Band Schoonhoven A (Paul Holland): 97
2. Brass Band Rijnmond (Luc Vertommen): 95
3. Brassband De Waldsang (Rieks van der Velde): 93
4. Soli Brass (Anne van den Berg): 92
5. Provincial Brass Band Groningen (Jan Weerkman): 91
6. Brass Band De Bazuin Oenkerk (Jaap Musschenga): 90
7. Brass Band de Spijkerpakkenband (Anno Appelo): 88
8. Altena Brass (Paul van Gils): 87

Best Solo Euphonium: Brass Band Schoonhoven A

First Division:

Adjudicators: Margie S Antrobus; Andrea Price; Jan Van der Roost
Test Piece: Inner Citadel (Geert Jan Kroon)

1. Chr. Brass Band Excelsior (Rieks van der Velde): 94
2. Brass Band Oefening en Uitspanning (Yves Wuyts): 93
3. Brass Band Breukelen (Pieter Koster): 91
4. Brass Band Amersfoort (Vincent Verhage): 90
5. Brassband Gloria Dei (Gerk Huisma): 89
6. Kunst naar Kracht (Olaf Ritman): 88
7. Brass Band Pro Rege A (Jan Werkman): 87

Best Tuba Section: Chr. Brass Band Excelsior

Second Division:

Adjudicators: Erik van de Kolk; David Morton; Jane Westervik
Test Piece: The Necessity of Renewal (Dennis Hazenoot)

1. Brass Band De Bazuin B (Martin Oostra): 96
2. Brass Band Schoonhoven B (Joop Nijholt): 94
3. Greidebrass (Siemen Hoekstra): 93
4. Martini Brass Band (Rieks van der Velde): 92
5. Chr. Brass Band Excelsior (Aline Werkman-Schipper): 90
6. Brass Band Looft den Heer (Gijs Heusinkveld): 89
7. GBG Groningen (Jan Werkman): 88
8. De Lofklank (Koen van der Molen): 86
9. Backum Brass (Max Knappstein): 85
10. CMV Euphonia Wolvega (Gerben Pol): 84

Best Solo Cornet: Brass Band De Bazuin B

Third Division:

Adjudicators: Erik van de Kolk; David Morton; Jane Westervik
Test Piece: Spirit of Life (Meindert Boekel arr. Philip Harper)

1. Koperensemble de Waldsang (Bienze Ijlstra): 96
2. Apollo (Piet Visser): 95
3. Blaast de Bazuin (Chris van der Veen): 94
4. De Nije Bazun (Jaap Wils): 90
5. Brass Band Kunst & Vriendschap (Olav Dorst): 88
6. Brassband Heman (Geert Jan Kroon): 87
7. Brass Band Nuenen (Kobus Verheij): 86

Best Flugel Horn: Blaast de Bazuin

Fourth Division:

Adjudicators: Erik van de Kolk; David Morton; Jane Westervik
Test Piece: Pioneers of the Past (Jan de Haan)

1. Brass Band UDI (Marco Middelberg): 94
2. Alkmaar Brass (Stefan van der Wilt): 93
3. Bernlef (Tijs Dijkstra): 92
4. Soli Deo Gloria de Tike (Hendrik de Boer): 91
5. Brassband Wirdum (Arjen Steur): 90
6. Chr. Brass Band Westersweach (Reimer Jan Rondaan): 88
7. Blaast de Bazuin (Piet Visser): 87
8. Brassband Pro Rege B (Hendry van Loo): 86

Best Solo Cornet: Alkmaar Brass