Aims and Facts
Organisation
WMC Foundation Kerkrade.
Event
The World Music Contest (WMC) held every four years.
Aim
- An international music festival with a focus on music contests for wind and brass bands.
- Supporting the international wind and brass band sector. The qualitative development of the international wind and brass band sector. Increasing the popularity of music for wind and brass bands, particularly among young people.
Event location
Kerkrade
Venues
Rodahal, Parkstad Limburg Theater Kerkrade, Parkstad Limburg Stadium, Museumplein square, Markt square, Stadspark, Erenstein Castle courtyard, Rolduc Abbey, Parkstad Limburg Theater in Heerlen.
Admission prices
From free up to € 40.
Dates
2011: September 22nd up to and including Oktober 2nd (60 years Anniversary).
2013: July 4th up to and including July 28th.
Number of visitors
2005: 650,000
2009: 700,000
Number of participants
2005: 19,000 from all over the world.
2009: 20,000 from all over the world.
WMC visitor profile
Visitors to the WMC are very diverse due to the great variety of music on offer for wind and brass bands. The WMC organises contests that are a delight to wind and brass band enthusiasts or lovers of classical music. This is because the standard is unbelievably high. For people who simply enjoy music, show and a great day out, the WMC offers marching and show band contests. These spectacular shows are a fantastic way to spend a day for young an old; a unique experience. In addition, there are concerts featuring well-known artists. In the past, Kerkrade has welcomed Xander de Buisonjé (Volumia) and Guido's Orchestra (which featured in the Symfonica in Rosso concerts with Marco Borsato and Paul de Leeuw), while André Rieu enjoyed his first big success here in 1993. These competitions and concerts are followed by a huge happening in the centre of Kerkrade where young and old from various cultural backgrounds gather to round off every WMC day in true party style.
The music for wind and brass bands during the WMC is so amazing that a fantastic time is guaranteed for everyone.
