Music by Vincent Kennedy and Fergal Carroll features in the National Band Championships this April.

The Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands (IABCB) will hold the 42nd Annual National Band Championships of Ireland in St. Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross, Co. Wexford this April. The Championships coincide with the town’s celebration of their 800th anniversary. Bands from all over the country will converge on New Ross for the two-day event to compete for the title of National Band Champions in each category. There are separate competitions for Brass & Concert Bands and an overall prize will be awarded for the best performance of the weekend.

This year's test pieces all have an Irish theme and include Fergal Carroll's Blackwater and Amphion as well as works by Vincent Kennedy, including his Wexford County Council commission, The Hook Suite, which will feature in the Brass section competition. The Irish Youth Wind Ensemble will also perform at this year's festival.

The 42nd National Band Championships take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April. See Calendar for details.

Posted: 29 March 2007