“The festival is an important ambassador for the Erzgebirge, their hospitality and their cultural identity. The connection to over 800 years of mining and metallurgical history is particularly palpable here.”
Dear friends of brass band music,
Music brings people together, fosters connections and fosters understanding where words sometimes fall short. The Europäisches Blasmsukfestival in Aue-Bad Schlema has for many years been a shining example of this unifying power. For the 33rd time, musicians from across Europe and numerous guests are gathering in the Erzgebirge to celebrate the diversity of wind music together. I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all.
With its international appeal and great popularity, the European Brass Band Festival has long been an integral part of cultural life in our region and far beyond. Thirteen bands from eight countries will be performing this year, demonstrating once again in impressive fashion that musical enthusiasm knows no bounds. At the same time, the festival serves as an important ambassador for the Erzgebirge their hospitality and their cultural identity. The connection to over 800 years of mining and metallurgical history is particularly palpable here. The ‘Steigerlied’ (miners’ song), recognised as intangible cultural heritage, and the components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region’ are expressions of a living tradition that continues to this day.
I am particularly pleased that the festival is taking a new direction this year: with the joint performance on the Sunday of the festival, musicians from the region are invited to become part of the event themselves. In this way,
the idea that ‘music brings people together’ becomes a shared experience that strengthens the community and allows people to experience the joy of making music first-hand.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who, through their great personal commitment, has made this extraordinary festival possible: the organisers, the participating orchestras, the sponsors and supporters, and the many volunteers.
I wish all the performers and guests three unforgettable days at the festival, filled with musical highlights, warm encounters and boundless enthusiasm for brass music.
With a hearty ‘Glück auf’
Rico Anton
District Administrator of the Erzgebirge District
