WASBE President James Ripley said: “Reluctantly, but with the best of intentions for the future, we announce that the WASBE Conference, scheduled for July 2021 in Prague, has been postponed to July 19-23, 2022. Dates and venues for 2022 have already been secured by the local organising committee, The Prague Concert Company, our partners for the conference. The application deadlines for ensemble performances, presentations and participation in the WASBE Youth Wind Orchestra (WYWO) will all be postponed by one year. However, we will continue our planning and preparations for the conference during this period to ensure that our meeting becomes a great celebration of the reunion of the world’s musical community.
One of the most important aspects of the international WASBE conferences is the presentation of concerts by brass bands/ensembles from all over the world. The concerts show the highest standards in wind orchestra/ensemble performance and present the best wind orchestra/ensemble repertoire. Application guidelines and procedures can be found on the WASBE website under “Future Conferences“. Ensembles wishing to perform must submit a written application to the chairman of the WASBE Art Planning Committee, Joop Boerstoel, with all materials to be submitted by 15 December 2020. The Art Planning Committee will examine the applications for a performance in January and announce the selection of the ensembles on 15 January 2021.
Together with the great local organizers of the “Prague Concert Company” we are looking forward to our next international conference in this beautiful and historic city from 19 to 23 July 2022! The members of the artistic planning committee met virtually with the local organisers last month and were able to create a vision for the conference, which will honour the contributions of Karel Husa, celebrate the 40th anniversary of WASBE, run the third composition competition, revive the International Youth Wind Orchestra and provide exceptional venues for some of the best ensembles in the world. Yes, it will be a great event!”