Every year, Brassband Rijnmond organizes the musical gathering "Brass Connections" especially for its loyal supporters, community, and music lovers. On Saturday, March 7th, we hope to see you at the Salvation Army building in Vlaardingen for an evening of beautiful music.
This year, Brass Connections 2026 focuses on "Belgian Connections." The overarching connection to Belgium is quickly made with our Belgian conductor, Luc Vertommen. Brassband Rijnmond will present a varied program, including a spectacular overture, lyrical poetry, folk music, a swinging hymn, and of course, a march. The band will also perform the test piece "So Spoke Albion" by Gavin Higgins, which premiered at the 2022 European Brass Band Championships in Birmingham. The composition is a musical ode to the visionary poet-artist William Blake and his powerful mythological image of "Albion"—a symbol of hope, renewal, and spiritual openness.
In addition to our conductor Luc Vertommen, we have another Belgian trump card in store for you. We are particularly proud and delighted to welcome Belgian euphonium virtuoso Kevin van Giel. Kevin has been a principal soloist with the Belgian Air Force band for many years and principal euphonium of Brassband Willebroek, with which he has won several Belgian, European, and World Championship titles. He regularly performs as a soloist and freelance musician with numerous HaFaBra and symphony orchestras in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, and is also active as a conductor, arranger, and composer. Since 2020, Kevin has been a senior saxophone professor at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. In short, a truly exceptional euphonium performer who will delight us with beautiful sounds and virtuosity. Kevin will also be giving an inspiring workshop specifically for bass brass this afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. You can still register for this unique opportunity to learn from one of the best!
We hope to see you on March 7, 2026. "Get connected" for a wonderful, musical evening!
What: Brass Connections 2026
When: zaterdag 7 maart 2026
Where: Leger des Heils - Vlaardingen
Start: 19:30 (19:00 hall open)
You can already reserve tickets via this link.
What: workshop met Kevin van Giel
Where: Leger des Heils - Vlaardingen
Start: 14:00 - 16:00
Register for the workshop with Kevin van Giel.
