Online brass band festival celebrates the best of the European Championships

Brass enthusiasts are in for a treat this Friday to Sunday (7-9 May) as they will be able to enjoy the unique energy and flavour of the annual European Brass Band Championships (EBBA) from their homes.

Join hosts Frank Renton, Helen Varley and their guests for a unique look back at some of the highlights from the European Brass Band Championships since 2003.

The European Brass Band Association and principal partner World of Brass have assembled a full weekend of outstanding contest and concert performances reflecting the full range of events enjoyed live over the past 16 years.

Topping the bill are Europe’s favourite set test pieces and own choice performances as selected in an online poll, the results of which have been counted and verified.

In addition, you will be able to admire the talents of the next generation of brass band soloists and appreciate how the 'European' has expanded its reach over the years, with bands from Austria, Germany, Italy, Lithuania and Spain embracing the brass band culture.

All this is streaming free on wobplay at the following times:

Friday 7 May 18.30 hr. Festival Preview

Frank Renton is joined by Paul Hindmarsh and guests to look ahead to the weekend.

19.30 hr. Where are they now?

A chance to hear from some of the prize winners from the European Soloist Competition since 1995 - Thomas Ruedi, Raf van Looveran, Glenn van Looy, Katrina Marzella, Jérémy Coquoz, Felix Geroldinger and Lionel Fumeaux.

Saturday 8 May 11:00 hr. The Next Generation

Helen Varley presents highlights from the European Youth Band contests and the European Youth Brass Band in concert.

14.00 hr. Europe’s Favourite Set Test (2003-2019)

Frank Renton and guests reveal the results of the online vote, introducing the winning performances, with interval entertainment from the European Youth Brass Band.

Audivi Media Nocte Oliver Waespi Montreux, 2011

Extreme Make-Over Johan de Meij Groningen, 2005

Fraternity Thierry Deleruyelle Lille, 2016

From Ancient Times Jan Van der Roost Oostende, 2009

St. Magnus Kenneth Downie Glasgow, 2004

Vita Aeterna Variations Alexander Comitas Rotterdam, 2012

19.00 hr. Highlights from the European Gala Concert (2004-2018)

Featuring memorable performances from Hans Gansch, Philip Cobb, Richard Marshall, David Childs, David Thornton, Lito Fontana, German Brass, Royal Concertgebouw Brass, Black Dyke, Brass Band Oberöstereich, Cory Band, Brass Band Willebroek and EYBB

Sunday 9 May 11.00 hr. Building the Brand

Highlights from the European Brass Band ‘B’ and Challenge sections

14.00 hr. Europe’s Favourite Own-Choice Performance (2003-2019)

Frank Renton and guests introduce the six nominations and reveals the ultimate winner of the online vote.

Cory Band (Philip Harper) Raveling, Unraveling (Sparke) Lille, 2016

Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag (Ingar Bergby) Fraternity (Deleruyelle) Oostende, 2017

Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag (Ingar Bergby) Partita (Heaton) Utrecht, 2018

Yorkshire Building Society Band (David King) Concerto Grosso (Bourgeois) Bergen, 2003

Yorkshire Building Society Band (David King) Music of the Spheres (Sparke) Glasgow, 2004

Valaisia Brass Band (Arsène Duc) The Turing Test (Dobson) Utrecht, 2018

Visit wobplay.com to enjoy this fantastic selection of European highlights.