EBBC 2026 – Own Choice Pieces

The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) is pleased to announce the own choice test piece selections by the competing bands at the 47th European Brass Band Championships 2026, in Linz, Austria.

As ever, the selection of own choice pieces for the Championships is highly intriguing.

The choices reflect the growing strength of the bands and the composers commissioned to write new works, and the desire to impress judges, the other bands and audiences with their choices of new a recent repertoire. The ‘Europeans’ stands as a showcase for newly commissioned works which stand the test of time.

Peter Graham is once again a favoured composer, with representation in several sections.
In the Championship section, three bands have chosen to play music by the composer of this year’s test piece, Thomas Doss, and two of them will play his “This World”. Tom Davorens ”Valaisia Variants” also has two entries, but in different sections. This broad competition repertoire makes the championships a multifaceted experience for the audience – but of course it makes the task even more difficult for the judges.

EYBBC – Development section

As always, the youth sections offer a delicious mix of newly written pieces and transcriptions of beloved classics from various genres.

Test piece Meet the Giants by Thomas Murauer

Own-choices

EYBBC – Premier section

In the Premier section, we have the opportunity to hear many varied programs, including some fine solo pieces.

Test piece Burn the Church by Otto M. Schwarz

Own choices

Challenge section

In the Challenge section, two out of three bands have chosen to play music by Peter Graham, and we are pleased to see the music of Dorothy Gates featured also.

Test piece The Sleepwalkers by Andreas Ziegelbäck

Championship section

A very interesting selection of music, where the oldest piece is only around 15 years old with 8 new commissions. A true sign of how the Championships propel music-making to new heights.

Test piece Alienus by Thomas Doss

Own choices