World Music Contest Kerkrade the

Colophon Table of contents Production & Text wmc bureau Photography Chris Althuijzen, André Boumans, 5 Foreword René Bradwolff, Guus Janssen, Marcel Kretzers, 6 About wmc Natascha Lacko, Ger Lengowski, Carole Meijers, Jan Mrösz, Paul van Oppen, Nicole Sijstermans, 8 Mission Statement Sascha Teschner 12 Show Band Contest Design & Layout Janneke Vlaming Print Buck Ontwerp & Drukwerk 14 Marching Band Contest Translation Duo vertaalburo 16 Marching Parade Contest General Contact Information 18 Brass Band Contest [email protected] 22 Wind Band Contest +31 45 545 50 00 24 Fanfare Band Contest Mailing Address 26 Percussion Ensemble Contest P.O. Box 133 6460 AC Kerkrade, the Netherlands 28 Concert Division www.wmc.nl 30 wmc Academy 32 International Conductors’ Contest 34 World map 38 Copa Kapella 40 Line up 42 Visit Kerkrade 48 Map of Kerkrade 50 Hospitality & accommodation 52 About the region 54 Team & Contact 56 Festival Locations Foreword

In times of such rapid changes, it is important we keep We will also expand on how WMC Kerkrade will give up with the zeitgeist. This is also true for festivals such shape to its hospitality in the future. Our primary goal as the World Music Contest (WMC). The approaching is to continue to offer a stage on which musical and nineteenth edition of WMC Kerkrade marks the 70th interpersonal connections are made that transcend anniversary of the festival. For the WMC organization as national and cultural barriers. WMC is a cultural a whole, this event represents an opportunity to both festival where musicians and fans of wind music feel at reflect on the famous history of this festival that we home and inspired as well as an opportunity for them host every four years and focus on the future of music. to meet each other in a hospitable, inclusive setting. This vision represents the cornerstone of all activities Since its inception in 1951, WMC Kerkrade has had an that WMC will develop in the years to come. important role in wind music, the Kerkrade region, and the world as a whole. We are proud to have such a On behalf of the board and of the WMC Kerkrade team, record of achievements. Furthermore, our anniversary I am proud to invite you to join in with this fantastic represents an opportunity to turn to the future and re­ celebration of wind music in Kerkrade from July 8 to define our vision for the festival and theW MC Kerkrade August 1, 2021. We would be proud to welcome you brand. As part of its historical awareness, WMC Kerkrade to the heart of Europe. feels a responsibility towards the global development of wind music. Max Kousen In this booklet, we explain how our renewed vision Chairman of the WMC embodies the core activities of the WMC Kerkrade: Kerkrade foundation participating in contests, line-ups, and education.

4 5 About wmc

The World Music Contest (wmc) is above all a celebra­ tion of music. The festival, which has been held every four years in Kerkrade since 1951, is a meeting place where musicians and visitors from different back­ grounds can come into contact and where cultures unite in order to make music. wmc offers a platform for contests on a global level – but most of all, it looks to connect people. It establishes valuable crossovers in wind music and encourages unique musical experiments.

Cross section In essence, wmc is a wind music festival based on con­ tests for wind and fanfare bands, percussion ensembles, brass bands, marching and show bands, and conduc­ tors. During the four-week festival, wmc’s program will also feature high-quality orchestras and artists from the Netherlands and other countries at various locations in the city and region, showcasing a cross section of what wind music has to offer.

Leading player Over the past seventy years, wmc has developed into a leading player in the international music world: wmc confers status and prestige onto its participating musi­ cians and orchestras. Winners at Kerkrade can officially call themselves a world champion in the four years until the next contest. wmc has for many years played an important role in the development of jury systems and competition formats. Influential and groundbreak­ ing compositions will also premiere during the festival. Altogether, the organization plays a pivotal role in the world of wind music and is pre-eminently the most prestigious festival for wind and fanfare bands, percus­ sion ensembles, brass bands, and marching and show bands.

6 7 Mission Statement

In the seventy years of the festival’s existence, wmc A new mindset calls for a redefinition of the festival’s has proven that it is a relevant – perhaps the most sig­ vision. This new vision is founded on the idea that wmc nificant – player in the world of wind music, attracting approaches the world of wind music openly, transpar­ more than 20,000 musicians and some 350,000 visi­ ently, and inquisitively and that wmc is a facilitator of tors to the city of Kerkrade every four years. However, significant developments in the sector.w mc is a world this success is by no means taken for granted. wmc stage that encourages experiments, that brings cul­ operates in a dynamic playing field, both on the side of tures together, and that is at the service of music and the participants as well as on the side of the audiences. the musician. That is why experience plays a crucial role in the entertainment and festival landscape.

‘wmc develops a high-quality platform for wind music, and this platform is led by innovation and connecting people. wmc is open to experimentation, is a motivator of new, valuable connections, and stimulates talent development.’

8 9 The World Music Contest (wmc) operates on the basis of the following core values:

Intercultural wmc creates a place where cultures meet in a musical context. The organization stimulates exchanges and organizes events where people from different back­ grounds can make music together.

Inclusive Everyone is welcome at wmc, regardless of their origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental abilities. One of wmc’s tasks is to bring everyone together in an atmosphere of musical fellowship.

Interdisciplinary & Interdependent wmc aims to establish valuable crossovers between art forms. Whether in music, theater, visual arts, urban culture, or dance, wmc encourages the use of ingredi­ ents from various art forms, both in the contests and in the line-up.

Intrinsic Music has many intrinsic qualities: It stimulates the imagination, is soothing, or can evoke emotion. Music also contributes to an individual’s personal develop­ ment. wmc wants to emphasize these qualities.

Innovative During wmc, the emphasis is on innovation. wmc praises creativity and gives participants the freedom to think outside the box.

10 11 Show Band Contest

The show contest section is without a doubt the most ship Division. The Prelims will take place on Friday, July visual and spectacular part of the wmc, with show 30. The twelve highest-ranked bands will proceed to bands from all over the world pulling out all the stops the Finals on Sunday, August 1. Numbers 13 to 15 get the to turn the field into a swirling sea of colors, music, chance to compete in the World Division Champion­ dance, and cultures. Spectators are invited to experi­ ship on Saturday July 31. Qualification in the Champion­ ence the production of carefully composed pieces of ship Division is based on the level and quality of the music and elaborate creative choreographies. show product, but wmc also bases placement on past results and video footage. Participants can register in one of the five Divisions. In addition to a Division ranked according to quality level (four levels), wmc will for the first time in its his­ Divisions & Days tory be organizing a Youth Division. For the most com­ Championship Division July 30, July 31 or August 1 petitive bands, wmc has the Championship Division. World Division July 17, 18, 24, 25 or 31 The contest for this highest Division takes place in the First Division July 17, 18, 24, 25 or 31 last week of wmc and involves Prelims and Finals. A Second Division July 17, 18, 24, 25 or 31 maximum of 18 bands can participate in the Champion­ Youth Division July 17 Marching Band Contest

The marching contest has its origins in the classic European military march tradition. A march may be based on Anglo-American principles or may also have its origins at the French or Prussian court. These movements, each with a long-recorded history, will be enriched during wmc with dazzling performances of wind-music cultures from the Far East and South America.

The marching performance will follow a set course. Al­though the route and choice of music are open to interpretation, they must be representative of the Division in which an orchestra is participating. Musical­ ity, accuracy, uniformity, and creativity are decisive in the march.

Divisions & Days Championship Division July 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 or August 1 World Division July 17, 18, 24, 25 or 31 First Division July 17, 18, 24, 25 or 31 Second Division July 17, 18, 24, 25 or 31 Youth Division July 17

14 15 Marching Parade Contest

In 1997, wmc was the pioneer of this form of contest all sides of the stadium a unique and spectacular for marching and show bands. The marching parade experience. In addition to musicality and choreography, involves a complete show production within the ‘limita­ the entertainment value is particularly important tions’ of the ‘street circuit’ of the marching contest – it’s a must-see! (a circuit that has been drawn on the field). Divisions & Days Unlike the march, the marching parade is less focused Championship Division July 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 or on military precision. This contest is unique in the August 1 world and has been developed to give the public on First Division July 17, 18, 24, 25 or 31

16 17 Brass Band Contest

Originally from England, this orchestral form consists exclusively of brass instruments, supplemented by percussion. During wmc, participating bands compete for a prestigious top place in four Divisions and deliver impressive musical performances with the aim of becoming world champion.

In addition to a Test Piece, bands select a choice program in which they showcase their technical and musical prowess. The Championship Division involves a ‘blind jury’ for the Test Piece, with participants drawing lots in order to determine the order of performance.

Divisions & Days Championship Division – max. 12 participants Test Piece friday July 9 Own Choice Saturday July 10 Location roda Hall

1st Division – max. 9 participants date sunday July 11 Location roda Hall

2nd Division – max. 8 participants date sunday July 11 Location Kerkrade Theater

3rd Division – max. 12 participants date saturday July 10 Location Kerkrade Theater

18 19 20 21 Wind Band Contest

Every four years, the World Music Contest is the stage Divisions & Days on which wind bands can compete with the world’s best. Concert Division – max. 16 participants This is wind music of the highest quality, performed by dates friday July 30 participants from all over the world. In fact, the wmc Saturday July 31 has the most international field of participants in the Sunday August 1 world during the contest for wind bands. However, Location roda Hall the musicality of the band remains the prime focus of the jury members. 1st Division – max. 20 participants dates saturday July 17 During wmc 2021, the warm up piece in the 1st, 2nd, Sunday July 18 and 3rd Divisions will be discontinued and replaced by Location roda Hall a own choice program within the set time. The total program therefore consists of a Test Piece and a own 2nd Division – max. 25 participants choice program. More changes are scheduled for the dates friday July 30 Concert Division. For more information on all these Saturday July 31 changes in the Concert Division, please see page 28. Sunday August 1 Location Kerkrade Theater

3rd Division – max. 30 participants dates friday July 23 On behalf of wmc, several renowned Saturday July 24 composers will write a number of Sunday July 25 Location Kerkrade Theater unique compositions, which will be used as a Test Piece during the competitions.

22 23 Fanfare Band Contest

Divisions & Days wmc is the international stage for fanfare bands. Concert Division – max. 10 participants The fanfare band is a music ensemble created by dates saturday July 24 Adolphe Sax, consisting of brass and percussion and Sunday July 25 supplemented by saxophones. The majority of the Location roda Hall participants traditionally come from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, but France and Switzerland 1st Division – max. 15 participants also occasionally send entries. During the 2017 edition, dates friday July 23 it once again became clear that the fanfare band sector Saturday July 24 is able to innovate and entertain like no other. Location roda Hall During wmc 2021, just like with the wind bands, the 2nd Division – max. 10 participants warm up piece in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Divisions will dates saturday July 17 be discontinued and replaced by a chosen program Location Kerkrade Theater within the set time. If you would like to know about the changes in the Concert Division, please see 3rd Division – max. 10 participants page 28. dates sunday July 18 Location Kerkrade Theater

24 25 Percussion Ensemble Contest

Percussion ensembles will meet in Kerkrade for a special championship: the percussion contests. The World Music Contest is one of the reasons why this part has become so popular and has a high degree of freedom in terms of its program, with ensembles able to choose which compositions they want to use to showcase their musicality. The result? A resounding percussion spectacle where the ensembles almost literally pull out all the stops to win over the jury and the audience.

In 2021, the percussion contests will welcome the addi­ tion of a Concert Division, which now also creates the opportunity for the top ensembles to play a concert at the highest level in the Roda Hall.

Divisions & Days Concert Division – max. 6 participants date friday July 16 Location roda Hall

1st Division – max. 8 participants date friday July 9 Location Kerkrade Theater

2nd Division – max. 8 participants date friday July 16 Location Kerkrade Theater

26 27 Concert Division Percussion, Wind & Fanfare Bands in 2021

Experience is at the heart of the Concert Division – Artistic portfolio the highest division in wmc’s Concert Contests. So, the Before being admitted into the Concert Division, the aim of the program as a whole must be to achieve a total artistic product is assessed in advance (i.e. not concert experience at the highest level. While commu­ only the general quality of the band). A committee nication and emotion are key concepts, the jury also will be set up to evaluate an artistic portfolio in 2020 asks the participants in the Concert Division to add and will do so under strict confidentiality. Only once elements that enhance an orchestra’s musicality and the committee has concluded their evaluation will a enable the band to distinguish itself from the rest. participant be admitted to the contests in the Concert Interdisciplinary elements – crossovers between art Division. forms – will be stimulated and technical assistance or facilities will be provided where possible. However, Jury the musical and artistic performance will continue to wmc’s Concert Division involves five members of the guide the assessment. jury – four musicians and one expert in music drama­ turgy or visualization – with the latter working without Test Piece a score. The five jury members do not consult during Unlike the other Divisions, the Concert Division has the concert and are seated seperately. In 2021, wmc will no Test Piece and the conductor has the artistic free­ offer the opportunity to do a technical check, including dom to develop – within the given time – the best a sound check, prior for the performance on the stage possible program. in the Roda Hall.

28 29 wmc Academy Education & Youth projects

During the World Music Contest, numerous activities are organized under the auspices of the wmc Academy. These activities are about intercultural understanding and appreciation, with a focus on meeting new people and gaining inspiration from one another. Young and old can participate in interesting workshops, master classes, and courses. Starting October 1, musi­ cians can audition digitally for the World Youth Brass Band as well as enroll for the International Conductors’ Course, which takes place from July 14 to 21, 2021.

In the first weeks of the festival,w mc also organizes various activities for youth bands. In addition to giving one or more concerts, youth orchestras have the opportunity to attend workshops and master classes by renowned musicians. However, perhaps even more impor­ tantly, they also have the chance to be inspired by the music culture and repertoire from coun­ tries all over the world.

If you or your youth band would like to partici­ pate in the wmc Academy, all information about the various projects will be available on wmc.nl from April 1, 2020.

30 31 International The Conductors’ Contest will take place from Conductors’ Contest July 14 to 21, 2021. Out of the total number of registrations, 24 candidates will be selected who will receive an admission for the contest. Training professional conducting talent is one of After the first two days of the competition, six the most important means of developing the candidates will be selected to participate in the sector and has been a major priority for the wmc semi-finals, where all will have the opportunity since 1970. During the 19th edition of the festival, to conduct a professional band. The ultimate wmc will be collaborating with the Association winner of the golden baton will be decided of Conductors and Instructors (BvOI) in order to during the final concert on Wednesday, July 21, organize an International Conductors’ Contest. where three finalists will conduct a concert in The contest’s main focus is on observing the the Roda Hall. conductors in as many different conducting situ­ ations as possible. As such, participants in the If you are under 35 years old on January 1, 2021 contest will conduct different types of composi­ and would like to take part in the International tions, from a professional and top amateur band Conductors’ Contest, please sign up from to smaller ensembles. October 1, 2020 on our website.

32 33

Copa Kapella wmc chooses ten semi-finalists from all the entries. The public will then vote for their favorite bands via the website. Eventually, the three highest-rated bands will During wmc 2021, wmc will be collaborating with the play on the open-air stage in Kerkrade City Center, and Austrian festival Woodstock der Blasmusik and jointly two more bands will be chosen by an independent jury. organizing a festival for bands. If you play in a band that The total of five finalists will compete with each other has at least four wind-instrument players, we would like on Saturday, July 17, 2021 to be crowned victorious in to invite you to participate in Copa Kapella. The first the final of Copa Kapella. A jury consisting of the festi­ prize is a performance at Woodstock der Blasmusik in val management of Woodstock der Blasmusik, the 2022! artistic management of wmc, and a prominent artist will decide on the winner. The contest is open to bands from all over the world, as long as wind music and entertainment play an import­ ant role. It doesn’t matter which style of music your In 2019, wmc began collaborating with band plays, provided there are at least four wind play­ the wind-music festival Woodstock der ers in your band. From pop to jazz, and funk: everything Blasmusik, which takes place every year is allowed. It’s up to you to entertain the spectators in the Austrian municipality of Ort im and the jury! Innkreis. The four-day open-air festival features both traditional and modern wind music and attracts some 60,000 enthusiastic music lovers.

38 39 Line up

For almost a month, the Kerkrade region will be all about music. In addition to contests, the World Music Contest’s program will feature national and international top orchestras, bands, and musicians who represent the many facets of wind music. Always looking for new angles and unusual alliances between orchestras, ensembles, and soloists, this is wind music on the cutting edge of pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. The venues vary from the theater stage or Roda Hall to the open-air stage in Kerkrade City Center or special locations in South Lim­ burg and the surrounding area. Almost every night during wmc, Kerkrade City Center is filled with thousands of partygoers who revel in a mix of fantastic wind music and the best bands from the region. wmc is a vibrant celebration in the heart of the city center and shares one message: We are all part of wmc.

40 41 Less talking, more doing: Kerkrade lives up to the saying! Beleef Kerkrade, which is Dutch for ‘Experience Kerkrade’, creates, tells and shares stories. Stories told by and for Kerkradeans, because Beleef Kerkrade is for everyone! Would you like to know what there is to see and do in Kerkrade? Discover it here!

Kerkrade is a city with its own unique character. Musically gifted, cheeky and a little stubborn. The new logo of Beleef Kerkrade is a city, represented as a skyline, with in its refl ection a reference to the mining past that has made this city into what it is today. The pulse has multiple layers. Firstly, it represents the heartbeat that refl ects the passion and love the Kerkradeans feel for their city. In addition, the pulse refers to Kerkrade as a city of sound. The pulse also represents a city in motion, with its social dynamic and physical transformation. The eye-catching hue of orange that was used emphasises all these characteristics. It’s a colour which stands for optimism and is the connection with the general Municipality of Kerkrade logo. WWW.BELEEFKERKRADE.NL DISCOVER THE HIGHLIGHTS

Kerkradeans are proud of their city. From innovative Botanical garden projects to the renewed city centre, from HuB. Kerkrade to The Botanical Garden in Kerkrade is the only botanical Rolduc Abbey: Kerkrade has allure! garden in . In this English landscape garden, you can stroll around and enjoy native and exotic flora. HuB. Kerkrade A theatre and library in one. The ‘living room of the city’ is The Anstel Valley brimming with cultural activities for all ages! With its wooded slopes, historic farms, crystal clear streams and panoramic views of the Cranenweyer reservoir, the Anstel Valley is definitely worth a visit.

Schacht Nulland Erenstein Castle From original machines to photos from back when the This 14th-century historic castle and garden now serves mines were in use, relive Kerkrade’s mining past in this as a hotel restaurant. It is situated in peaceful, green monumental air shaft! surroundings and has a moat and a beautiful castle garden. BIG 5

Kerkrade has a couple of crown jewels. Major attractions such as GaiaZOO and Leisure Dome attract thousands of visitors every year and ensure that more and more visitors from the Euroregion, and even from our own little country, are fi nding their way to Kerkrade. Kerkrade is on the map!

Roda J.C. Kerkrade A football club from Kerkrade that has been in the Dutch football league for a long time. Roda J.C. Kerkrade plays its competitions in the Stadium, where thousands of visitors regularly come to cheer on their club.

Rolduc Abbey Rolduc is the largest abbey of the Benelux and one of the Dutch UNESCO Top 100 monuments. The abbey is over 900 years old and has a rich history. The abbey GaiaZOO also has a couple of beautiful A breath-taking combination of fl ora and fauna. During your hidden gems. visit, you can travel around the world in one day and meet remarkable and unique animals. An unforgettable outing for Museumplein young and old. Museumplein Limburg is a theatre, museum and discovery centre in one. Each building part tells its own story. When combined, the three stories provide insight into our relationship with the world in which we live.

Leisure Dome Are you looking for the ultimate day trip? At Leisure Dome, you’ve come to the right place. From a mega cinema to a bowling alley and from a soccer arena to a real arcade, Leisure Dome is the place where entertainment, relaxation and pleasure come together!46 47

Hospitality & accommodation

In the run-up to wmc 2021, a new vision has been Accommodation developed with regard to hospitality and accommoda­ As soon as you register, you will receive help with all tion for participants, with the aim of taking the total your questions regarding accommodation, hospitality, experience of the event to the next level. recreation, and transport. For example, a wmc contact person will help you find a suitable place to stay that is wmc Village friendly to everyone’s budget, whether that’s an over­ Just a stone’s throw from Roda Hall and Kerkrade night stay in a single or double room or even group Theater, the wmc Village is the musical heart of the accommodations. You will also be supported in arrang­ 70th anniversary of the festival. The beautiful city park ing transport to and from your accommodation. brings together participants from all over the world. And the wmc Village forms the starting point of your Guidance participation. Participants from all over the world will wmc also assists with organizing excursions, extra be welcomed in style for four weeks and will also have concerts, and other specific wishes, if desired. This the opportunity to follow workshops or give a pop-up could range from anything from a visit to Amsterdam, performance before or after participating in the con­ Paris, or Düsseldorf to a visit to an amusement park. test. The wmc Village will serves participants some fantastic lunches and/or dinners and will function as the meeting place for wind music cultures from all over the world.

50 51 About the region

Kerkrade is a Dutch town located at the of Sightseeing Belgium and , a stone’s throw away from Kerkrade is home to one of the largest monastery com­ historic cities such as , , and Liège. plexes in the Netherlands, three innovative experience For participants from Asia or America, Kerkrade is an museums focusing on design, science, and technology, ideal base from which to visit European cities such as and an attractive city center. The city also has one of Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin, and London. the most beautiful zoos in the Netherlands. Kerkrade, part of the urban agglomeration of Parkstad, is known Getting to Kerkrade for its traditional hospitality and beautiful location Düsseldorf, Cologne, Eindhoven, and Brussels are also in the Limburg countryside. In 2016, the region even within easy travelling distance (about an hour) of Kerk­ won a prestigious prize – the ‘Tourism for Tomorrow ade and are the best way to get to the city. Kerkrade Award’ – for best travel destination in the world. is also easily accessible by public transport from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Travel time from Schiphol to Kerkrade is approximately three hours.

52 53 Team & Contact

Leonie Jaeqx-Curvers Operational Manager [email protected]

Björn Bus General Artistic Manager [email protected]

Henk Smit Artistic Manager Marching, Show & Percussion [email protected] Jules Roosenboom Communications & Press [email protected]

Maikel den Dekker Harrie Reumkens Business Manager Artistic Advisor [email protected] [email protected]

54 55 Locations

kerkrade theater Theaterplein 30, 6461 DR Kerkrade

Roda hall Europaplein 1, 6461 AD Kerkrade

Parkstad Limburg Stadium Roda J.C. Ring 1, 6466 NH Kerkrade

56 www.wmc.nl