Impressive Program – WMC 2026
From July 9 to August 2, the city of Kerkrade will once again revolve around the World Music Contest (WMC). Over the course of four weekends, the absolute world elite of wind music will take to the stage and stadium. This anniversary edition of WMC features an exceptionally impressive and international field of participants, including numerous European and world premieres, as well as superstars from the world of wind music.
This year’s anniversary edition welcomes participants from no fewer than 28 different nationalities across five continents. A total of 146 bands has registered for the Concert Contests — 40 percent more than during the previous edition of the contest. Numbers that Artistic Director Björn Bus is very pleased with. “Yes, absolutely. These figures prove just how important and significant WMC is for the global wind music community. It is an unparalleled institution for which musicians dedicate years of passion and commitment in order to deliver the performance of a lifetime here.”
Brass Band
Ten bands have registered for the Concert Division Brass Bands this year. Nearly the entire world top 10 will be present in Kerkrade, including the 2025 European Champion and 2022 World Champion, Brassband Willebroek. “This year’s brass band line-up is truly exceptional. Besides Willebroek, we are also welcoming the reigning European champion, Flowers Band. But what makes this WMC truly unique is the participation of the Japanese brass band Immortal Brass from Osaka.”
Percussion
In the Concert Division Percussion, nine ensembles will perform this year at the Parkstad Limburg Theaters. “For Percussion ensembles, the WMC is essentially the only major stage in the world where they have the unique opportunity to perform a full one-hour program. For enthusiasts, this is an absolute highlight.”
Fanfare
This edition’s Concert Division for Fanfare Bands consists of seven participants. A newcomer to the field is Triple F Collective. “I am particularly curious to see how they will hold their own against the other bands, including the multiple world champion fanfare band Kempenbloei and the Gelders Fanfare Orkest. There is no doubt that the level will be exceptionally high.”
Bus is also highly enthusiastic about the number of participants in the First Division for Fanfare Bands. “It is fantastic that we have 17 participants performing over two days. This provides an important boost for the fanfare world in general. Many new compositions will be performed, guaranteeing top-level performances.”
Wind Band
In the Concert Division for Wind Bands, 12 bands will compete this year. “This will be a true clash of titans between top wind bands from Switzerland, Norway, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.”
Particularly proud of the Youth Division
In addition to all this musical excellence, Bus is especially proud of a WMC premiere in the field of talent development: the Youth Division for musicians up to 21 years old. “I first encountered this concept as a jury member in Singapore. I was amazed by the number of youth bands in Asia and their willingness to travel for contests. We are now offering these young musicians a unique stage, as well as a coaching session following their performance. This is a special interactive reflection led by a jury member. For me personally, this is an absolute highlight in support of wind music, and I would like to make an appeal: come to the theater on July 30 and 31 — you won’t believe what you will experience.” This division features 15 participants, with strong representation from South America and Asia.
Conductors Contest
As in previous editions, WMC will once again host an International Conductors Contest. Sixteen young talents will compete against one another. “WMC is introducing a new approach for the conductor’s contest. In 2022, for half of the conductors, the WMC experience ended after just 15 minutes. This time, all 16 candidates will spend no fewer than three full days on the podium. It demands a lot, but it also offers a great deal in return. It will be an exciting contest.”
Concert Series
WMC is particularly proud to welcome the absolute world elite of military wind bands to Kerkrade. “We asked the bands to create iconic programs consisting exclusively of works from their own countries. The programs they came up with are overwhelmingly beautiful and unique. For example, the Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides will bring world-renowned clarinet soloist Annelien Van Wauwe. The Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy will also feature none other than trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann as soloist. Lindemann is flying in especially from the United States for this trumpet concerto by Johan de Meij, providing the Marine Band with a European premiere.”
In addition to the Belgian, Dutch, Italian, and German evenings during the concert series, the WMC is honored to welcome the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine during the French evening. “For me, this band represents the pure original sound from which our Western European wind band culture emerged. The characteristic French sound — with its elegance, transparency, and refinement — remains unparalleled. The return of this prestigious ensemble, whose history dates back to 1848, makes it even more special.”
Tickets
Tickets for all contests, concerts, and side events of the WMC are available via: https://www.wmc.nl/en/agenda
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