Black Dyke Band become European Champions for 13th time!

Black Dyke Full BandLast weekend in Freiburg, Germany on the 1st and 2nd May, the Queensbury based Black Dyke Band represented England and were victorious in winning the European Brass Band Championships for the thirteenth time.
In 2nd place was Willebroek (Belgium), 3rd Lucern (Switzerland), 4th Eikanger (Norway), 5th Cory (Wales).
The contest was held over two days with a set test-piece held on the Friday, when all twelve finalists performed a composition by the nationally recognised German composer Rolf Rudin entitled “God Particle”.
On the Saturday each band from Austria, Norway, France, Switzerland, Holland , Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Wales, Scotland, and England performed their own choice piece of music. Black Dyke performed music composed by their Creative Chair of Composition, Prof. Peter Graham, “Metropolis 1927”.
The music was inspired by the film of the same name by the doyen of German film makers Fritz Lang. Prof. Childs explained “the music was a real showcase for the musicians with some spell binding moments that brought the capacity audience of over 2000 to their feet; the band was on sparkling form competing against the very best bands in the world. Having already won the British Open last September and National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall in October, claiming our 13th European title, in our 160th Anniversary  year was the icing on the cake”
Black Dyke’s principal euphonium Gary Curtin also won the coveted most outstanding soloist award.
The international panel of adjudicators wrote of Black Dyke’s performance……”Bravo”……”what a Majestic performance”……
“Magnificent”…..”something really special!”
Black Dyke will next be performing locally, “Music for Everyone” on Sunday 17th May, 3pm at Leeds Town Hall, tickets available from the Leeds Box Office 0113 2243801