Heindonk ('heather in the marshland') a small Flemish village of a mere 600 inhabitants is situated where the rivers Dijle and Nete meet.The title of the work is from the Latin 'Vallis Pacis' (valley of peace) and this is also the name of a convent which was founded in the 15th century by the canonesses of Saint Augustine.In this work which was commissioned by the brass band of Heindonk Iever maakt Vooruitgang the duality of themes is central.1. The name Heindonk is the composition of �Hei� (heather) and �Donk� (marshland).2. The village is situated where two rivers converge.3. It has in former times been the victim of two natural disasters.Thefirst disaster struck in 1549: Heindonk was hit by heavy storms and floods.The small village was struck by a second destructive disaster only a few years later. This is when the convent was flooded so badly that the sisters were trapped for months in their convent and could only leave by boat. In addition the entire harvest all the hay and straw were destroyed and the financial problems accumulated to such an extent that the sisters were forced to leave the convent in 1552.This composition is based on these two main themes that are intricately woven throughout the entire piece.These themes were composed in minor key in order to emphasize the dramatic events that occurred.The piece begins with the introduction of the first dramatic theme. A slow introduction with the melody in euphoniums is a prologue which is subsequently played by the whole orchestra. The first main theme integrates into the whole (bar 39).The second dramatic theme is presented from bar 68.A timid and rhythmical allegro depicts the stormy events programmatically and is followed by an optimistic intermezzo in major which symbolises hope.Following a number of variants on the two main melodies in major the theme of the prologue can be heard for the last time in a grandiose finale.

Nena recently made her comeback after she became an overnight success several years ago with her pop song �99 Luftballons�. This unforgettable hit from the German �New Wave� period provides an ideal change of mood in your program and it is also very easy to play for any group.

This refreshing composition in samba style is ideal for giving young people the chance to play music which is educational but also fun. It can be performed by any instrument group and guarantees your audience will swing to the beat!

This spectacular three-part concerto (Contrasti Romanza and Fugato) for euphonium and grand brass-band orchestra by Bert Appermont was composed upon request by the Swiss euphonium virtuoso Ueli Kipfer who created it in November 2004 with the Schweizer Armee Spiel conducted by Jan Cober. The composer was inspired more by its mood than the analysis of works by Mahler and Rachmaninov. This concerto which is quite demanding for the soloist and a challenge for the orchestra is probably one of the most innovative works by Bert Appermont to date. The composer also wrote an easier version of the solo part. More information can be found on our website.

Aram Iljitsj Khatchaturian an Armenian by nationality was born 1903 in Tiflis into the family of a book-binder. He began his musical education in Moscow in 1922 at the Gnessin Music School where his composition master was Mikhail Gnessin and completed it at the Moscow Conservatoire where he was a pupil of Nikolai Miaskovsky the famous Sovjet composer and pedagogue. Khatchaturian is the author of two symphonies three concertos (for piano for violin and for cello) the music for three ballets (Happiness Gayane Spartacus) and many chamber instrumental and vocal compositions. His latest work � the ballet Spartacus � has won in 1959 the Lenin Prize atthat time the highest honour.N. Volkov�s libretto for the ballet �Spartacus� is based on actual historical events � the great uprising of the slaves in Rome in 74 � 71 B.C. under the leadership of Spartacus. In spite of its historical subject �Spartacus� is essentially modern. Khatchaturian wrote : �I think that the heroic personality of Spartacus is in many aspects close to the struggle the oppressed colonial peoples of today are waging for their rights�.�Spartacus� is made out of three suites. Each of the suites is an independent work complete by itself and possessing its own logic of development.

This suite consists of 3 parts which each describe important places in Norway.“Rjukan” is famous for its hydroelectric power station and is also a popular weekend retreat for Norwegians.In “Bryggen” the composer describes the cold and chilly wind that blows along this old harbour quay in Bergen a city which has been the victim of numerous disasters.“Slottet” is the musical reflection of the Royal Palace in Oslo and the hustle and bustle of the nearby shopping precinct.

Heindonk ('heather in the marshland') a small Flemish village of a mere 600 inhabitants is situated where the rivers Dijle and Nete meet.The title of the work is from the Latin 'Vallis Pacis' (valley of peace) and this is also the name of a convent which was founded in the 15th century by the canonesses of Saint Augustine.In this work which was commissioned by the brass band of Heindonk Iever maakt Vooruitgang the duality of themes is central.1. The name Heindonk is the composition of “Hei” (heather) and “Donk” (marshland).2. The village is situated where two rivers converge.3. It has in former times been the victim of two natural disasters.The first disaster struck in 1549:Heindonk was hit by heavy storms and floods.The small village was struck by a second destructive disaster only a few years later. This is when the convent was flooded so badly that the sisters were trapped for months in their convent and could only leave by boat. In addition the entire harvest all the hay and straw were destroyed and the financial problems accumulated to such an extent that the sisters were forced to leave the convent in 1552.This composition is based on these two main themes that are intricately woven throughout the entire piece.These themes were composed in minor key in order to emphasize the dramatic events that occurred.The piece begins with the introduction of the first dramatic theme. A slow introduction with the melody in euphoniums is a prologue which is subsequently played by the whole orchestra. The first main theme integrates into the whole (bar 39).The second dramatic theme is presented from bar 68.A timid and rhythmical allegro depicts the stormy events programmatically and is followed by an optimistic intermezzo in major which symbolises hope.Following a number of variants on the two main melodies in major the theme of the prologue can be heard for the last time in a grandiose finale.

This film dating back to 1987 by star director Brian De Palma is equally famous as the cast that plays in it. Sean Connery Kevin Costner and Robert De Niro are just a few of the names that gave this film its cult status. Ennio Morricone an icon of the movieindustry wrote the music and Willy Fransen has now made a spectacular and original arrangement which remains true to theoriginal. He selected the strongest themes and chose a colourful but compact instrumentation. Get ready for the movie experience!

The Electric Light Orchestra were immensely popular in the 70s and the band had a number of hits including this Mr. Blue Sky. This world hit has been arranged in a transparent manner by Jan Rypens and can be played by all orchestras with a touch of flower power nostalgia.

�Verdammt ich lieb� dich� and �Ich bin wie du� are indispensable to make your party a success. This particular song put German pop culture in the spotlight in the 90s. It�s a great sing-along and will boost the party atmosphere at your concerts. It�s also easy to play for any group

This suite consists of 3 parts which each describe important places in Norway.�Rjukan� is famous for its hydroelectric power station and is also a popular weekend retreat for Norwegians.In �Bryggen� the composer describes the cold and chilly wind that blows along this old harbour quay in Bergen a city which has been the victim of numerous disasters.�Slottet� is the musical reflection of the Royal Palace in Oslo and the hustle and bustle of the nearby shopping precinct.

Recalls obviously refers to memories. This piece of music is in fact a series of flashbacks however it does not highlight the actual memories of specific thoughts people or events.The composition evolves around the late Frans Steurs who for manyyears was the inspirational artist behind the brass band that is currently commissioning this work. The main theme of the work is based on the name STEURS. E = mi U = do R = re and S = si which is Dutch for the note ti. This idea forms themusical theme for the entire composition and different variations are used throughout. The structure of the work is based on the concept of a story which father Steurs is telling his two daughters who play the flute and the clarinet. Each part ofthe work has a story-like character:1. Introduction: following a short ominous intro the main theme is presented for the first time.2. The Story: father Steurs has both his daughters on his knee and he tells them stories from the old days. Trumpetsand trombones play variations of the theme. The story gets very exciting (accelerande poco a poco agitato) until the tale takes a dramatic turn when the father tells an exciting story at the time of the Second World War. He tells of being hunteddown by the occupying army and these adventurous episodes are related to us musically in part3. Danger with its skilful references to vor dem Sturm from Eine Alpensinfonie by Richard Strauss.4. called Fugitives is about how he fled in the nightfrom the enemy and this is reflected in the bass tones of a new theme. The aggression of the war is illustrated from bar 117 onwards by a harsh brass section. The main theme is repeated once again and this time up-tempo. The second theme is broughtonce again from bar 149 onwards.5. Dialogues depicts the conversations between the two daughters and their father. Father speaks (bar 155); the daughters answer (bar 164 - flute bar 166 - clarinet); bar 178: father answers with the tune of the maintheme to the two daughters. The discussions gradually intensify but ultimately end in peace in the last part called Conclusion.The piece of music Recalls is a free interpretation by the composer who consulted the letters between the two daughtersof Steurs and their father and in this respect it is not really music for a programme.

Koen Pletinckx always surprises us with the freshness and youthfulness of his compositions for dynamic orchestras. Once again he has succeeded in mixing pop elements attractive melodies and a good beat in a beautiful composition called Poppy Times. It’s fun to play and a catchy tune: the audience will be delighted.

This medley consists of the finest songs by Michel Partout being La bataille Une fille aux yeux clairs and Les lacs du Connemara.

Gustav Mahler is probably one of the most important composers of late Romanticism. His symphonies are emotional extravaganzas of hectic near neurotic movements on the one hand and extremely beautiful melodies and wonderful choral music on the other hand. This Adagio from his 6th symphony which has been arranged in a majestic way by Georges Moreau is a perfect example.

Just like many of us Robert Finn is a great fan of Italian cooking and great Italian wines. He has tastefully put his favourite menu to music in four courses with Minestrone Tortellini a la Romana Chianti and Tiramisu. This composition is quite varied and light and it is the ideal menu for many occasions! Bringing pleasure to your ears!

This wonderful song by Neil Sedaka has been transformed into a magnificent solo for the trumpet by Georges Moreau. The piece can also be played by the alto or soprano sax.The attractive melody and the soft accompaniment which has been orchestrated with the necessary transparency and doubling allows your soloist to concentrate on the sound and musicality.

as performed by Whitney Houston-This colourful and light piece is a great starter to warm up your audience.As the title suggests ‘A Touch of Salsa’ is not pure salsa; the salsa rhythm simply forms the foundation of this fantasy composition. A light musical snack to get your audience in that Mediterranean mood. Suitable for all orchestras and composed with the necessary doublings.

Hans Vansant wanted something different with this lively number. Instead of I Will be Missin� You he composed I Won�t be Missin� You! After all each end of a friendship is a new beginning.

Like ‘Hijo de la Luna’ ‘Enamorada’ is another great Latino song regardless of the fact that it was composed by Belgian songwriters. Stef Minnebo who is an expert in this kind of music thanks to his work as a bass and guitar player made an original but faithful adaptation of this Belle Perez hit. It’s time to put your lambada outfit on and dream of the South.