On Saturday, March 2, 2024, the audience in the well-filled, attractive hall of Theater Koningshof in Maassluis had a lot to enjoy.

The Dutch brass band champion Brassband Rijnmond showed her best side during the annual Brass Connections for family, friends, supporters and former members. A demanding and very varied program was performed with great enthusiasm and drive. Under the leadership of conductor Luc Vertommen, Brassband Rijnmond played, among other things, the challenging overture “John O'Gaunt” by Gilbert Vinter. A beautiful classic from 1968 but still a great composition. The soloists of the band were also in good shape. Ester van Loo on alto horn shone in the solo “Irish Mood” by the Belgian composer Stijn Roels, while our 1st trombonist Stijn Pletzers silenced the audience with the subdued “Song for Lotta” by Jan Sandström, in an arrangement by Luc Vertommen. The audience really appreciated this and gave them a big round of applause. After the break the program got a Norwegian / Northern touch. Also in anticipation of the European Brass Band Championships in Stavanger (Norway) in 2025, where Brass Band Rijnmond will represent the Netherlands, a number of spectacular compositions by Scandinavian composers were performed.

On this beautiful evening the band also had a top soloist in the person of the English cornet legend Roger Webster. The audience was very impressed, what control and technical skills this man has. This soloist knows how to tell a musical story with his fantastic sound. He also talked about his experiences during a nice interview with our presenter José van Noort. He deservedly received thunderous applause.

Brass band Rijnmond looks back on a very successful musical event with an enthusiastic audience. Brassband Rijnmond thanks sponsor Besson, represented by Jan Jansen, who helped make this evening possible and unforgettable with their Besson artist Roger Webster. The band also thanks conductor Luc Vertommen who, with his skill, commitment and drive, made Brassband Rijnmond shine again this evening and of course the large audience for its presence and enthusiasm.

We hope to see you again at Brass Connections 2025!