It is not entirely sure where the melody originates that forms the basis for Norwegian Overture. Most sources point in the direction of a certain J.H. Nebelong in about 1881. It is also possible that he was the first to note down this traditional melody and put his name to it.The lyrics are by a certain A.H. Brorson and were set to the music at a later date. The original title is store hvide flok which means the big white herd. Several composers have used this theme including Edvard Grieg and the Danish Carl Nielsen.

The Norwegian composer Morten J. Wallin dedicated New Horizons to his three children of 8 20 and 23 years old. Each of them lives in a world of their own and is at a different stage of life with their own school friends and hobbies. They also all dream of the future in their own way and of a life that is always offering new perspectives and ... a new horizon

Elysium is a beautiful and modest choral created by Robert Finn a Dutch many-sided composer who has his roots in pop music. The piece opens with the introduction of the balanced main theme that passes into an overpowering climax after which it silently fades away...

as performed by Billy Paul- Me and Mrs. Jones was a 1972 soul song written by Kenny Gamble Leon Huff and Cary Gilbert originally recorded by Billy Paul. It describes an extramarital affair between a man and his lover Mrs. Jones. This single became Paul’s only #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1972. Bart Picquuer arranged this beautiful song for a C/Bb or Eb solo instrument with Concert Band.

This Little Christmas Suite arranged for concert band by Robert Finn contains three European Christmas carols of uncertain origin. The three movements Baile de Nadal (from Spain) Still Still Still (from Germany) and The First Noel (from England) create a delightful suite for any concert band and can also be performed with a choir.

Bamberg has a population of approximately 70.000 people a city not far from Bayreuth famous for its Bayreuth Festspiele. The River Regnitz the historic buildings and the famous orchestra Bamberg Symphoniker are the source of inspiration for A Bamberg Fantasy. Following the opening with its beautiful melodies played by different sections the mood suddenly changes into an allegro ritmico in the minor key with rythmical elements and dynamic harmonics. In the finale changes in time signature add a flowing character to this composition.

‘Biberussa’ the old name of the small town of Beverst in Belgium is a combination of the words ‘biber’ and ‘ussa’ meaning beaver and river. This concert march was composed for the 100th anniversary of the Koninklijke Harmonie (Royal Concert Band) ‘Ons Verlangen’ from Beverst a place where the composer had his first musical training. After the opening passage a proud heroic theme is heard. As a contrast it is followed by a simple chorale melody and both themes then appear simultaneously in a grand tutti passage. This is followed by a cantabile trio with a majestic reprise of the main theme bringing the work to a close.

The title Song For A New Generation refers to the approaching millennium change. The composition starts with a sustaining bolero-tempo the themes make their entry and the music gradually swells to an overwhelming climax. The turbulent harmonic passages symbolize the wars of the past. In the end the main theme returns once more describing a call for peace on earth.

Debussy wrote his Préludes for piano between 1909 and 1913. He composed 24 in all divided equally between two books. He thought of the Préludes as separate pieces of music so they did not necessarily have to be performed one after the other in a series. In the original publication the titles are grouped together at the end of each part as a sort of footnote. This enables the performer to get a first impression without being too much influenced by Debussy�s painterly titles.The préludes I have chosen are from both the first and the second books. The order in this suite is completely different from the original however. By way of criterion I asked myself thefollowing question: Which parts go together to form a new entity? The guideline was provided by the central section La fille aux cheveux de lin undoubtedly the best-known prélude and the humorous Minstrels. Orchestrating several of these préludes for a wind orchestra was an enthralling and instructive experience. It is beyond dispute that Debussy was a marvellous orchestrator. In my orchestration I have tried to work for the character and overall mood of the music. I therefore retained the original keys and changed as little as possible of the original writing with a few exceptions when octaves were added. On some occasions Debussy himself suggested orchestrations as for example in Minstrels where among other things he writes tambour alongside a particular rhythmical passage.Lastly I always find it interesting to set the music in a broader context. Debussy completed his second book of Préludes in 1913. The same year saw the first performance of Stravinsky�s Le Sacre du Printemps in Paris of all places. One year later the First World War broke out. The end of an era?Karel Deseure

At the occasion of Steps we introduce you to Peter Miseur. Steps is bright piece of music that can be performed by any orchestra thanks to its transparent instrumentation.

Dies Infernus means 'Day of Hell'. The reason for this title is the dreadful disaster that befell the Dutch village of Kolhorn in 1788 when the whole village went up in flames. Afterwards a huge appeal was launched to rebuild the unfortunate village. Many people were willing to contribute resulting in the collection of the enormous sum at the time of eighteen thousand guilders with which the village could be rebuilt. This work was commissioned by Harmonie De Eendracht in Kolhorn to mark its 110th Anniversary.

as performed by J. Geils Band-A ‘centerfold’ is a large photo that can be removed from the middle pages of a magazine. With their 1981 song Centerfold which gave them a huge hit the J. Geils band sang about an old flame who suddenly turns up on such a poster in a men’s’ magazine. Have a listen - you’re sure to know it!

as performed by Mika-Self-taught singer/songwriter and pianist Mika (born 1983) lives in his own little world that obviously also appeals to other people! Two years after his international success with his first album Life in Cartoon Motion which sold more than five million copies he’s back with his second album The Boy Who Knew Too Much. From this three times Platinum release comes the song We Are Golden. Absolutely intoxicating!

Opening music is one of the first works for wind orchestra by Ben Haemhouts and was originally written under assignment from the Fanfare St. Pieters Kapelle Belgium. The slow mysterious introduction introduces the main theme that consists of the notes F C B-flat F a combination that was woven throughout the entire work. Then a stirring allegro part follows with a melodious passage in the euphoniums. The end is a long-drawn-out resuming of the beginning that builds up to a large climax still built on the same basic tones. This overture is a solemn openings work for every occasion.

Bagatelle means something like triviality or small matter. Despite the constantly varying times this composition - based on a single theme - sounds particularly light. The theme is introduced in its natural form first followed by some variations that lead to an uncomplicated canon. This charming interlude is fitting for every concert programme.

Andrew Lloyd Webber is without a doubt the most famous and successful composer of musicals of all times. Musicals such as �Cats� and �Phantom of the Opera� are played around the world and have been seen and heard by millions of people. Erik Mast re-discovered this unknown but exquisite piece which has been recorded once again by Sarah Brightman. A great moment of rest for your concert.

At the occasion of Steps we introduce you to Peter Miseur. Steps is bright piece of music that can be performed by any orchestra thanks to its transparent instrumentation.

A light and pleasant work of the Belgian composer Frank van Baelen a talent in the same class as Jan Van Der Roost. The composer proves his versatility with this work; he composes difficult competition pieces on the one hand and light easy works on the other.

Yellowstone Choral was inspired by the marvellous landscapes of the Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The choral comprises three choral phrases that alternate throughout the work. The beginning is lightly orchestrated with an oboe solo but more instruments gradually join in before the second phrase of the choral is introduced. The third phrase does not appear so quickly and when it does it is introduced by horns and trombones before building up to the climax of the choral where the trumpet takes the upper hand. After this the choral gradually fades away with the first and second phrases appearing just a few more times. The choral ends as it began with a slowly ebbing orchestration.

Dies Infernus means 'Day of Hell'. The reason for this title is the dreadful disaster that befell the Dutch village of Kolhorn in 1788 when the whole village went up in flames. Afterwards a huge appeal was launched to rebuild the unfortunate village. Many people were willing to contribute resulting in the collection of the enormous sum at the time of eighteen thousand guilders with which the village could be rebuilt. This work was commissioned by Harmonie De Eendracht in Kolhorn to mark its 110th Anniversary.