About
Photo: ©Rita Newman
The Championships
Welcome to the EBBC 2026 in Linz! Enjoy top European brass bands competing in 4 sections, including two sections for youth bands. Bands qualify through national contests or nominations. Also, don’t miss the European Soloists competition.
Tap or Click to expand
EBBC – Championship Section
The Championship Section includes last year’s winner and champion/nominated bands from each European country. Bands perform a set test piece and an own choice piece.
Participating Bands
Band Name
Conductor
Country
Brass Band Oberösterreich
Günther Reisegger
Austria
Brass Band Oberösterreich
Günther Reisegger
Austria
Brass Band Oberösterreich
Günther Reisegger
Austria
The bands own choice music
Title
Composer
Arranger
Title
Composer
Arranger
Title
Composer
Arranger
Title
Composer
Arranger
EBBC – Challenge Section
The Challenge Section features brass bands just below the Championship level. They will perform a set test piece and an own choice program in a single performance, not exceeding 25 minutes, before the Championship Section’s own choice.
EYBBC – Premier Section
The Premier Section features senior youth bands performing a 25-minute program, including a set test piece. Bands can feature a soloist, with a prize for the best soloist.
EYBBC – Development Section
This section is for younger youth bands, performing a 20-minute program, including a set test piece. Bands can feature a soloist, with a prize for the best soloist.
European Soloist Competition
This prestigious European Soloist Competition showcases the finest young soloists from across Europe, competing in brass and percussion categories. Held in conjunction with the European Brass Band Championships 2026, the competition offers a unique platform for talented musicians to demonstrate their skills and artistry.
Participants are selected through a rigorous process. The competition culminates in a final Gala Concert, where the top three finalists perform with a brass band, vying for the coveted title of European Soloist Champion.
European Youth Brass Band
The European Youth Brass Band, which will be conducted by Karl Geroldinger, former Director of the Upper Austrian State Music School System, offers an outstanding opportunity for talented young brass players to rehearse and perform together at a European level for one week and to further develop their musical skills.
The young talents are nominated by the member countries and sent to the EBBC. This year, rehearsals will take place in Leonding.
As part of the EBBC 2026, the ensemble will perform several times as a full brass band:
- 21 April: Concert in Eferding together with the Upper Austrian Youth Brass Band
- 22 April: Concert in Ried im Innkreis together with the Bezirksblasorchester Ried
- 23 April: Concert at the Brucknerhaus during the award ceremony of the soloist competition
- 24 April: Concert at the official opening ceremony at the Brucknerhaus
- 25 April: Concert at the award ceremony at the Brucknerhaus
- 26 April: Farewell concert at the Brucknerhaus following the youth competition
European brass Band Association
The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) promotes and supports brass band music across Europe. It organizes the European Brass Band Championship, a prestigious competition showcasing talent from various countries. EBBA also provides resources and support for brass band musicians and organizations, fostering a vibrant community.
EBBA’s mission includes promoting cultural exchange and collaboration between brass bands, enhancing the recognition of brass band music, and integrating it into music education. The association organizes events like the European Youth Brass Band Contest, the European Conductors Competition or the European Soloist Competition contributing to the development of new talents.
Overall, EBBA plays a crucial role in nurturing and advancing brass band culture throughout Europe.
