Brass Band 13 Etoiles conducted by James Gourlay took the Swiss domestic entertainment honours in Lucerne on weekend of the 27th September.

Overdue return

The Scotsman was making a long overdue contesting return to the country where in previous years he was a dominant presence with Brass Band Berneroberland.

Combination

On this occasion, a combination of the set work, ‘Die Alpen’ by Maurice Hamers and own choice overture ‘Le Corsair’ in their concert programme gave them a commanding 12 point victory margin over second placed Oberaargauer Brass, directed by Manfred Obrecht, with Brass Band Band Bürgermusik Luzern, conducted by Grimethorpe’s Allan Withington in third.

The Scotsman was making a long overdue contesting return to the country where in previous years he was a dominant presence with Brass Band Berneroberland4BR

International flavour

The international conducting flavour also saw Cory’s Robert Childs direct Brass Band Fribourg into fourth place, winning the prize for ‘Best March’, whilst Russell Gray and his eclectic mix of players at Wallberg could only manage eighth place.

Full Results:

1. Brass Band 13 Etoiles, James Gourlay (174/178) = 352
2. Oberaargauer Brass Band, Manfred Obrecht (167/173) = 340
3. Brass Band Bürgermusik Luzern, Allan Withington (174/165) = 338
4. Brass Band Fribourg, Robert Childs (168/170) = 338
5. Entlebucher Brass Band, Michael Bach (169/163) = 332
6. Brass Band Luzerner Hinterland, Hervé Grélat (164/167) = 331
7. Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan, JF Bobilier (164/161) = 325
8. Wallberg Band, Russell Gray (163/160) = 323
9. Ensemble de Cuivres Mélodia, Yvan Lagger (161/160) = 321
10. MG Risch-Rotkreuz, Rino Chiappori (154/154) = 308

Test piece:
Die Alpen, Maurice Hamers

Best Contest March:
Brass Band Fribourg

Own Choice Prize:
Brass Band 13 Etoiles