On November 22nd, Rijnmond Brass Band demonstrated at the illustrious Hanzehof, the venue for the Dutch Brass Band Championships for many years, why it ranks among the top brass band players in the Netherlands.
Under the inspiring leadership of conductor Luc Vertommen, the band presented a program that was both artistically challenging and musically refined. Featuring works by Edward Gregson (Rococo and the virtuoso Tenor Horn Concerto "3 Gods" performed by soloist Tim de Maeseneer), Toby Hession (She Walks in Beauty, beautifully arranged by Vertommen), and Frederick Schjelderup (Transitions in Energy), a broad palette of styles and emotions was displayed.
The technical mastery and tonal balance within the sections were immediately noticeable. The solo passages, particularly in the Gregson Concerto, were delivered with flair and conviction. The ensemble playing remained tight, even in the most complex rhythmic passages, and the dynamics were carefully built, allowing the tension to reach its full potential. Some of the jury members' praise: "Fantastic soloist, beautifully accompanied" – referring to the Tenor Horn Concerto "3 Gods" – "Beautiful colors and mixtures" – "Very exciting and virtuosic, wonderful soloists!" – "In a word, fantastic!" – "An overall brilliant performance! Excellent soloists, a beautiful band, and a challenging program. Congratulations!" Gregson's Tenor Horn Concerto, written especially for the Belgian tenor horn god, European and now Belgian brass band champion, Tim de Maeseneer, made a particularly strong impression.
The jury, consisting of Tijmen Botma, Raf De Keninck, Martien Maas, and Jos Zegers, awarded this performance 96 points and a "very good" rating in the concerto division. Brass Band Rijnmond once again proved not only their technical prowess but also their artistic courage in choosing a challenging and innovative repertoire. Brass Band Rijnmond congratulates the other participants on their achievements and sincerely thanks the Gelderland-Flevoland Music Association (KMNO) for their hospitality and flawless organization.
After an intensive second half of the year, which included the Late Summer Singing, German Open, Dutch Brass Band Championships, and the national competition, it's now time to get into the Christmas spirit. Many thanks to maestro Luc Vertommen, who successfully guided the band through this busy period with boundless energy and dedication.
On December 15th and 16th, Brass Band Rijnmond will participate in the traditional Christmas concerts "Come Sing Together" at the Oude Kerk in Maasland, thus bringing the musical year to a festive close. For those interested, both evenings are unfortunately already fully booked, but you can sign up for the waiting list via: Welcome to Come Sing Together.
In addition, the Christmas Carols will be broadcast live on YouTube on Monday, December 15: Monday evening, December 15, 2025 | Christmas Carols 2025 | Starts at 8:00 PM.
