The 168th British Open Brass Band Championships
Arrival at Symphony Hall in Birmingham was met with excitement at what was about to unfold, all areas around the concert hall were buzzing with conversation and friends meeting up for the first time since the contest was last held in 2019.
Many people grasping their copy of the score for Edward Gregson’s ‘The World Rejoicing’ and their souvenir programme and so many smiles and genuinely happy people. Now and then you catch a glimpse of some of the players that were taking part and talking to a couple of them, they couldn’t wait to get on stage.
When the draw was made and published, a murmur from some as people noted that bands 12,13,14 and 15 in the draw were 4 of the bands that finished in the top 6 in 2019 what a contest this was going to be.
As 10:30 approached and people started to take their seats it was noted that a large number of seats would remain empty, all except a handful of the tickets had been sold, but a number of people taking the decision to stay home during the period of mourning for the sad loss of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
The national anthem before band number 1 played had far more impact than on previous occasions, the minutes silence that preceded it was a very reflective moment and very fitting for such a wonderful and dedicated queen.
The first band looking to impress the adjudication panel of Martyn Brabbins, Dr Robert Childs, Stephen Roberts was Carlton Main and with a solid start to the piece many people got a first chance to hear the work of Edward Gregson. Black Dyke followed with a more power packed version of the piece and WFEL Fairey with drive and determination gave us a different reading and within 3 bands we had already heard different interpretations of the piece.
Paris Brass Band gave a mixed performance, some untidy moments but also some excellent passages. The Cooperation Band were steady and it felt relaxed with a lovely flow. Desford showed good detail, I felt the louder sections were a bit too much, but the band came over very well in the quieter sections. Aldbourne gave a very measured approach to the piece, no fireworks, but a strong and steady performance that would ultimately see them take 3rd place. Band 8 was Tredegar, we got a well-measured and controlled performance, the final band before the comfort break was Grimethorpe, controlled and frantic all at the same time, full of energy.
Leyland opened the 2nd half of the contest and an assured performance got us off to a good start, NASUWT Riverside felt very safe, controlled and good style. We then had the 4 bands that could really shape the results, Flowers were first up with big sounds and great attention to detail, Brighouse who were strong, precise, so tidy and some great contrasts. Foden’s stepped on stage with another strong performance, the approach felt a little different from other bands and a great feeling throughout. Band number 15 was Cory, they went for a very quiet opening, precision and dynamics were outstanding.
When Cory finished there was a mass exodus from the hall, some for a comfort break, some who had heard what they came to hear and were heading home and others who went to the bar or for food ahead of the results. A real shame for the 3 bands that were left to play, but the audience who were there tried to make as much noise as possible and players on stage made a lot of noise at the end of their own performances.
Rothwell Temperance were very strong and well balanced, Hammonds gave a ‘sit back and listen’ performance which I really enjoyed and Northop were in control, great sound and edge of the seat tempo at times.
This ended the days performances and what a great day, before the final band left the stage we heard and sang the National Anthem, a very fitting way to finish the event.
Many of those listening had Brighouse, Fodens and Cory in their top 3, most with Brighouse coming out on top and when the results were announced Brighouse were placed 1st with Foden’s 2nd, Aldbourne picked up 3rd place with Cory in 4th.
What a great day, a great contest, an amazing venue, a wonderful piece and a very worthy winner.
Attention now turns to the Lower Section Finals, can’t wait.
Here is the result in full
1. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof David King)
2. Foden's (Russell Gray)
3. Aldbourne (Ivan Meylmans)
4. Cory (Philip Harper)
5. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
6. Grimethorpe Colliery (Michael Bach)
7. the cooperation Band (Glenn Van Looy)
8. Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas J. Childs)
9. Northop Silver (Gareth Brindle)
10. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths)
11. Leyland (Thomas Wyss)
12. Flowers (Paul Holland)
13. NASUWT Riverside (Dr Ray Farr)
14. Paris Brass Band (Laurent Douvre)
15. WFEL Fairey (Arsene Duc)
16. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Allan Withington)
17. Desford Colliery (LMTF) (Michael Fowles)
18. Rothwell Temperance (David Roberts)
