Congratulations Anke Verboven from Belgium (Tenor Horn), Jovita Kasperavičiūtė from Lithuania (Euphonium) and Simon Gabriel from Switzerland (Cornet).
They convinced our distinguished team of adjudicators Thomas Ludescher (Austria) and Felix Geroldinger (Austria) in the 2nd round of the competition. The soloists each will perform a concerto in the final accompanied by Brass Band Fribourg:
- Cornet: Concerto for Cornet (Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen)
- Tenor horn: Concerto “Three Gods” (Edward Gregson)
- Euphonium: Venice (Judith Bingham)
The final will be held on Thurday 23 April, 19h in Brucknerhaus Linz with Brass Band Fribourg. Followed by a Gala Concert with the European Youth Brass Band 2026.
We wish them a lot of success on Thursday!
Anke Verboven – Tenor Horn (Belgium)
My name is Anke Verboven, I am 22 years old and I ‘m from Belgium. My musical journey started at the age of 6, when I began playing percussion. Shortly after, I discovered the cornet, but at the age of 10 I found my true musical love: the tenor horn, an instrument that has been central to my musical life ever since.
When I was fifteen, I decided to pursue music more seriously and enrolled at the Kunsthumaniora in Antwerp. There, I cultivated my talent for the tenor horn, which led me to continue my studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. Throughout my studies at the conservatory, my main teachers have been Lode Violet and Kevin Van Giel, who continue to guide and inspire me in my musical development. In addition, I have also had lessons with the fantastic Tim De Maeseneer.
I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Music at the conservatory and I am currently completing my final year of the Educational Master’s program. After graduating, I aspire to become a music teacher, combining my passion for performing with my love for teaching.
Some of the biggest highlights of my tenor horn career include being selected twice for the European Youth Brass Band: in 2023 in Malmö and again in 2024 in Palanga. In addition, I won first prize in the highest division of the VLAMO soloists competition in Belgium, which remains a very special achievement for me.
Jovita Kasperavičiūtė – Euphonium (Lithuania)
Jovita is a 19 year old euphonium player from Lithuania. Despite her young age, she has already made a name for herself as an international euphonium soloist, performing on prestigious stages across Europe. As a soloist, Jovita has performed in Spain, Estonia, Sweden, Norway and many more. Jovita has participated and won multiple national and international competitions, for example, one of her recent achievements were 1st place at the Hauts de France brass band soloist competition and the EBBC 2025 best soloist award. Aside from constant live appearances on stage, Jovita is also well-known for her social media account @jovitakasper_euph on instagram, where she shares about her musical path. From 2024, Jovita is also known as AR Resonance artist.
Jovita is currently studying in Belgium at the LUCA School of Arts with Tim De Maeseneer as her teacher. She actively participates in EBBC competitions with Lithuanian championship level brass band “Brass LT
Simon Gabriel – Cornet (Switzerland)
Simon Gabriel, born on June 9, 2008, as the second son of a farming family in S-chanf, discovered his passion for the trumpet at an early age by following in his brother’s footsteps. The Oberengadin Music School supported his development by sending teacher Ludwig Anton Wilhalm to S-chanf. Simon attended primary school in S-chanf and began the Talent School in Champfér in August 2021. Alongside his academic education, he devotes considerable time to his musical training, studying trumpet and piano at the Oberengadin Music School.
Recognized by his teachers as an exceptional talent, Simon regularly participates in weekend courses and music camps. In October 2023, he was invited to rehearse for a week with the Cory Brass Band, concluding with two concerts in Great Britain. He also competes successfully in numerous national and international competitions. Simon has won multiple first prizes with distinction at Swiss youth music competitions and achieved several championship titles. In 2024, he again became Graubünden Solo Champion and won first prize at the Swiss Solo and Quartet Competition (U16), as well as first prize with distinction at the Swiss Youth Music Competition Entrada (Duo M.E.Tr.E.). In 2023 Simon competed also at the European Soloist Competition in Malmö where he won third price plus Band price and Audience price