European Brass Band Championships 2023 – Jury Panels

The European Brass Band Association is pleased to announce the adjudicators for the European Brass Band Championships in association with World of Brass, the European Soloist Competition and the European Youth Brass Band Contest to be held as part of the European Brass Band Festival 2023 in Malmö 1st – 7th May.

The week in Sweden begins with the European Soloist Competition, with 17 semi-finalists competing on Monday. Judging the semi-finals will be three very highly respected soloists in their own right; Glenn van Looy (Switzerland), Camilla Søderstrøm Tveit (Norway), and Simone Rebello (England). Judging the three concerto finalists in the Finale Concert, accompanied by the Concord Brass Band, will be Katrina Marzella-Wheeler (Scotland), Allan Withington (Norway), and Olle Elfström (Sweden). Olle is the Principal Trombonist of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra.

The jury for the Championship Set Test Piece section sees Allan Withington return for a second day, joined by Phillipe Bach (Switzerland) and Ivan Meylemans (Belgium) – all three respected orchestral musicians and conductors, with plenty of European experience under their belts. Adjudicating the Championship Own Choice competition is the distinguished trio of Michael Bach (Switzerland), Bert van Thienen (Belgium), and Sheona White (Scotland), who between them have totaled numerous victories at the Europeans.

Judging the Challenge Section on Saturday morning sees the Musical Director of the English National Opera, Martyn Brabbins joined by Ivan Meylemans and the highly experienced Anne Crookston (Scotland). Making important decisions in the Youth Competitions on Sunday are Anne Crookston, Martyn Brabbins, Bert van Thienen, and Sheona White.

Chair of the EBBA Music Commission, Chris King, commented: “The Music Commission is delighted that we have secured the services of such an impressive body of jury members for the Festival in Malmö. They bring many years of experience as professional musicians and expertise in the art of banding to the events.”


European Soloist Competition – Semi-Final
Glenn van Looy
Camilla Søderstrøm Tveit
Simone Rebello

European Soloist Competition – Final
Katrina Marzella-Wheeler
Allan Withington
Olle Elfström

Championship – Set Test
Ivan Meylemans
Phillipe Bach
Allan Withington

Championship – Own Choice
Michael Bach
Bert van Thienen
Sheona White

Challenge Section
Martyn Brabbins
Ivan Meylemans
Anne Crookston

Youth – Development
Anne Crookston
Martyn Brabbins

Youth – Premier
Bert van Thienen
Sheona White