Welcome to Utrecht and the Great Hall TivoliVredenburg!  

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Dear Colleagues and Guests,

 

Thirty-six years ago, this month, a large group of delegates from four continents gathered in Manchester, England to attend the first-ever international conference of wind band conductors, composers, performers, music industry specialists and friends. By the end of the conference, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) was formed. Since then, WASBE has held international and regional conferences in Norway, Belgium, United States, The Netherlands, England, Spain, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, Ireland, Taiwan, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The positive impact that WASBE has had on the growth and development of the world wind band has been incalculable. Our next international conference will be in Tokyo in 2019.  

 

With this greeting, I want to thank all those who have made this conference possible, especially the City of Utrecht. Our Fringe Festival, organized by ZIMIHC and supported by the City of Utrecht, is also a vital part of this week’s events. I especially want to thank Past-President Bert Aalders for serving as our Conference Chairman as well as WASBE’s Board of Directors and Staff who have worked very hard these past two years to strengthen our organization and to help produce this international conference.  

 

Wens Travel, under the leadership of Janneke Hoeberigs and Tamara Visser, have produced an outstanding organizational structure to accommodate this very special international event. Past-President Felix Hauswirth, and his Artistic Planning Committee, have produced an impressive series of concerts by some of the world’s finest wind ensembles as well as a program of educational sessions designed to enhance the professional skills of our delegates.

 

WASBE extends its appreciation to the entire city of Utrecht with its medieval old town, canals, monuments and its impressive Music Conservatorium and University. The iconic Domtoren, a 14th-century bell tower, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin, and the occasional glimpse of the Roman city below, make Utrecht a wonderful place to visit. For many decades, The Netherlands, with its World Music Contest in Kerkrade and its world-renowned Netherlands Wind Ensemble, has been a leader in the international wind ensemble movement.

 

Let us join together and enjoy this wonderful international celebration

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William V Johnson

WASBE President, 2017

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