“In April, the who’s who of brass music will gather in Upper Austria for the European Brass Band Championships 2026—essentially the Champions League of the brass scene. With the Brass Band Upper Austria, a flagship ensemble of the Upper Austrian State Music School System and of the music region of Upper Austria will also be represented in the competitions. This once again makes it visible and audible what outstanding quality emerges from our music schools.”
Governor Mag. Thomas Stelzer
“Hosting the European Brass Band Championships 2026 at the Brucknerhaus once again underscores Linz’s status as an international city of culture and music. This high-calibre festival brings together musicians from all over Europe and at the same time strengthens cultural exchange as well as the visibility of our city far beyond regional borders. With its musical tradition, its infrastructure, and its openness, Linz provides the ideal setting.”
Mag. Dietmar Prammer, Mayor of Linz
“The 47th European Brass Band Championships 2026 will make Linz the centre of the brass band scene from 22 to 26 April: around 1,000 musicians and 36 bands will come to the Brucknerhaus. Youth and solo competitions will also give young talents a stage. I am particularly pleased that, with the Brass Mile and other side events, the provincial capital of Linz will become part of this festival and thus once again contribute a cultural highlight to further enliven the city centre. A real asset is also the fact that the Brass Band Upper Austria will represent Austria in the Championship Section.”
Doris Lang-Mayerhofer, City Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Linz
“After 2010, it’s ‘All Brass!’ once again in Linz this year. Europe’s best brass bands will showcase their skills, but young brass musicians will also be given their stage at the EBBC. The intensive preparation during the preceding rehearsal week in Leonding gives young musicians the opportunity to develop further and to play with like-minded peers from all over Europe. That Upper Austria is once again hosting the EBBC demonstrates the quality of our cultural region, which is appreciated far beyond our borders. And we extend a very warm welcome to all brass ambassadors!”
State Director of Culture Mag.a Margot Nazzal
“I am especially pleased that Upper Austria will not only be the host federal state for the EBBC in 2026, but will also be actively represented in the competitions with the Brass Band Upper Austria under the direction of Günther Reisegger, the Youth Brass Band under Thomas Beiganz, and the Junior Brass Band under Stefan Spieler. The Upper Austrian State Music School System provides comprehensive training in brass music. In the 2025/2026 school year, 4,386 students are currently learning a brass instrument at a state music school. At the EBBC, we will be able to reap the rewards of this youth development work.”
MMMag.a Doris Pamer, PhD, Director of the Upper Austrian State Music School System
“In the art of brass playing, Upper Austria ranks among the world leaders. It is therefore only logical that the European Championships are being held in Linz. I am absolutely delighted that the Brucknerhaus will be the venue for the European Brass Band Championships 2026. It will be a celebration for performers and listeners alike!”
Mag. Norbert Trawöger, Artistic Director Brucknerhaus / LIVA
