Brass Band Willebroek hailed as World Champion at World Music Contest in the Netherlands

28/07/2017

Since 1951, the World Music Contest (WMC) for harmony bands, fanfare bands, brass bands and marching bands, is held every four years in Kerkrade, the Netherlands.

On Saturday 8 July, Brass Band Willebroek (BBW) was the 8th out of 10 bands to perform a set piece which was composed especially for this championship. Under the capable direction of conductor Frans Violet, the public in Rodahal was treated to a powerful performance. On Sunday 9 July, the 10 bands had to win over the jury with their own choice programme. 

Once the last chords had faded away, everyone awaited the results with great anticipation. As the scores were announced in the order of Sunday night's performance - and Willebroek had performed last - it was all the more nerve-racking. Some bands achieved top scores but when BBW scored as much as 97/100 for the set piece, hopes were raised. Shortly afterwards, all trepidation vanished when the band received 98/100 for its own choice programme, prompting jubilant cheers from the Belgians! For the next 4 years, BBW and Frans Violet can call themselves World Brass Band Champions, a title they can now add to their already impressive list of national and European awards. A first-time achievement for a Belgian brass band.

Yet BBW's outstanding success is quite remarkable given its struggles over the past few years. The members weren't in the best shape and had actually been looking forward to a holiday. They couldn't have hoped for a better comeback!