WMC | Best of European Wind Bands

French elegance with a golden harmony sound
With great pride, the WMC presents the prestigious French wind orchestra, Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine, during the French Night. Founded in 1848, this ensemble has long been at the foundation of the European wind orchestra tradition and has achieved worldwide fame.

After many years, they return to Kerkrade — a special moment you won’t want to miss. The program features their characteristic French sound: original repertoire, golden works, and masterful transcriptions that showcase the unique timbre of this orchestra. Under the direction of their professional musicians, they present an evening of elegance, finesse, and classical allure.

We invite you to a festive evening where military tradition and concertante beauty come together, presented by an orchestra that symbolizes quality and music culture in Europe. France at its finest — this French Night promises to be a musical experience of the highest caliber.

Program
‘Best of European Wind Bands’
Conductor: Lieutenant-Colonel Bastien Stil

La Marseillaise| Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
Overture Le Carnaval Romain | Hector Berlioz
Le Chant des ténèbres | Thierry Escaich
Soloist: Christian Wirth (saxophone)
Daphnis et Chloé : Suite n°2 | Maurice Ravel

INTERMISSION

Dionysiaques | Florent Schmitt
Rhapsodie pour clarinette | Claude Debussy
Soloist: Amaury Viduvier (clarinet)
Cheval de Feu (Dutch premiere) | Frederic Unterfinger
Ikiru Yorokobi | Roger Boutry

This concert is part of the World Music Competition (WMC) 2026 in Kerkrade
This global music festival guarantees top wind music, experience and fun

With a 75-year history, the WMC guarantees spectacular music of the highest quality. More than 250 orchestras and bands from 31 countries and 5 continents will participate in the competitions of the anniversary edition, which takes place between July 9 and August 2. With this strong international field of participants, the traditional concert, marching, and show competitions, and more than 450 activities in the Rodahal, Parkstad Limburg Stadium, Theater Kerkrade, and on the Market Square in Kerkrade, the WMC anniversary year gains extra luster.

Every four years, the international wind music world gathers in Kerkrade for the WMC. Starting July 9, the world’s largest stage for wind orchestras, fanfare bands, brass bands, percussion ensembles, and marching and show bands will erupt once again. During recent editions, the WMC recorded around 20,000 participating musicians and 350,000 visitors.

‘Best of Brass & Best of European Wind Bands’
In addition to the competition program in the Rodahal, Theater Kerkrade, and the Parkstad Limburg Stadium, numerous other activities will take place. WMC proudly presents a concert series in which the absolute world elite of the international music world shines—with the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine, among others. Additionally, the cycle includes two concerts featuring the very best brass bands and brass ensembles of the moment during the Brass Gala (Brassband Willebroek and Cory Band), as well as the concert by German Brass and the traditional finale of the International Conducting Competition with the Royal Military Band Johan Willem Friso.

Visit WMC.nl for all information, the program, and the online ticket shop.

Source : PLT Website