Soli Brass from Leeuwarden finished thirteenth last weekend during the European Brass Band Championships (EBK) in Malmö, Sweden.
The profit went to the Swiss band Treize Etoiles led by Frederic Theodoloz. Defending champion Cory Band from the United Kingdom took fourth place. Fourteen bands participated.
On Friday evening the band from Leeuwarden played the obligatory work Aurora by composer Joel Thoor Engström. Saturday Soli Brass played their own chosen work The World Rejoicing by Edward Gregson with whom the band became Dutch champion in 2021.
Before the start of the EBK, it was already clear to Soli that the experience was more important than the result. Wessel de Vries (32), chairman and percussionist of the band, was satisfied: ,,Playing on such an impressive stage is incredibly exciting. Of course we had hoped for a better result, especially given the solid performances we put in and the reactions from the audience. But it remains a jury sport, sometimes you are lucky and sometimes you are unlucky.”
Proud of participating among European top bands
The order of play was determined by a lottery system. On Saturday, Soli Brass was the very last band to draw. De Vries: ,,This lottery gave us the opportunity to listen to other bands during the day, where some of our musical heroes play. It was great to experience the sound and quality of some bands live. That’s why I’m really proud that we were allowed to participate with Soli among all those top bands. We are now among the best thirteen bands in Europe. We really have nothing to be ashamed of.”
There were many young musicians in the Leeuwarden band, including alto horn player Lianne Hovius (19). It was not a European debut for her, because she already gave an appearance with the European Youth Orchestra in Birmingham last year. Hovius: ,,I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s not often you get the chance to play among the brass bands that you have modeled yourself for years. I learned a lot and gained new experiences. It was truly an unforgettable journey.”