Have you ever stepped in one place and somehow felt confused? Have you ever defined which border is a border of what country? While you were walking, did ever you ask yourself which country am I in at this current moment? What kind of culture is being presented to me? What language is being spoken? As an islander, these are few questions I had in my mind while I was visiting a place called Kerkrade. From Amsterdam Centraal, this is the last stop of the train stations in the Netherlands. This place is a small town but has three diverse cultural influences. This place is also know as the “Three-country point" as it marks the location where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet in one place. Historically, Kerkrade represents the western half of a city that was once united with the German town of Herzogenrath. The towns were divided in 1815 when the Congress of Vienna established the current Dutch-German border, separating them. As a result, the eastern edge of Kerkrade marked the international boundary. This border even runs through the middle of Nieuwstraat/Neustraße, a street that connects both towns. Herzogenrath, situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is directly adjacent to the Dutch border and strongly associated with Kerkrade. The name "Herzogenrath" translates to "Duke's Clearing," reflecting its origins under ducal control. Together, Herzogenrath and Kerkrade form a cross-border community known as Eurode, highlighting their close cooperation. This collaboration is evident in economic development, public services, and cultural exchanges. The Eurode Business Centre, a building straddling the border, exemplifies this partnership, housing businesses and government services from both countries. Herzogenrath, like many towns in the Rhineland, has a vibrant cultural life, sharing many festivals and traditions with Kerkrade. The town is known for its welcoming community and the easy interaction between its German and Dutch residents. During World War I and II, the Germans heavily fortified this border. However, after World War II, due to unrestricted travel within the European Union, the border was only marked by a low wall, about 30 cm high, that ran along the street. While vehicles had to pass through official border crossings, pedestrians could easily step over the wall, despite signs indicating the border. In 1995, the wall was removed as part of the Schengen Area agreement. oday, Nieuwstraat/Neustraße is a unified two-way road, with the former wall space now occupied by trees and bicycle lanes. The border is unmarked and can be crossed even when navigating a roundabout or overtaking a vehicle. When you are in the streets of Kerkrade, you are also mindful that you may be stepping into monuments for the Jews and Germans who are victims of the wars during the Nazi time. Visiting Kerkrade for the first time made me question what life is like for people living at the border of three countries. It can be confusing, but it's also fascinating to learn how they navigate cross-cultural experiences and coexist with other nationalities. I am lucky enough to know one of the residents of this town who has lived here for more than 10 years. His name is Hennessy, and he speaks fluent English. He mentioned that Kerkrade is interesting because, as Dutch people, there’s often the assumption that you’re solely from the Netherlands. However, just crossing the street can bring you face-to-face with German neighbours. They speak Dutch but also learn German, and many residents use their own dialect called Limburgish. He mentioned that adjusting to this environment is not difficult, especially after living here for a long time. The residents share cultural ties with Germans and other nationalities, and the idea of living solely in the Netherlands fades away in the context of the open border system. His interest in music is also influenced by Kerkrade's impact on his development. He mentioned that every four years, Kerkrade hosts a music festival that attracts a variety of musicians eager to showcase their talents. This festival, known as the World Music Contest (WMC), is an international competition for wind and brass bands, bringing together artists from different nationalities to perform in Kerkrade. The World Music Contest, a prestigious competition for professional, amateur, and military bands, is often referred to as the Olympic Games of brass band music. This event brings together participants from various parts of the world to celebrate a shared love for music. Learning about this made me reflect on the importance of music as a unifying element that connects people across the globe. Music transcends borders—it is a common thread that we all share as one humanity. Another fascinating aspect you will discover in this place is that the locals speak a unique dialect known as Limburgish, distinct from both Dutch and German. In this town, the Limburgian culture is alive, with people speaking the Limburgish dialect and preserving their traditions, which are prominently reflected in Kerkrade. Limburgish is spoken by approximately 1.6 million people across Dutch Limburg, Belgian Limburg, and parts of Germany. The language is characterised by a wide variety of dialects, with every town and village having its own version. The region is marked by numerous isoglosses, making it difficult for any single dialect to represent the full diversity of Limburgish. Limburgian culture is rich in folk art, including pottery, textiles, and woodcrafts, all of which often reflect the region's history and natural surroundings. This culture embodies the distinct identity and traditions of the Limburg region, spanning parts of both the Netherlands and Belgium. Limburg is renowned for its unique language, customs, festivals, and culinary traditions, all of which set it apart from other regions in these countries. The unique monuments found in Kerkrade reflect a vibrant culture that is still alive and visible today. Hennessy was generous enough to serve as my tour guide for a day in the forest, and it was one of the most serene experiences of my life. I heard the sound of the creek water and stepped into the freezing, ice-cold stream. The water flows from the large lake in Kerkrade. The Kerkrade forest is a reservoir and nature preserve in the Netherlands, perfect for activities like hiking, cycling, and connecting with nature. While there, I also saw people from various nationalities, including Ukrainians setting up camps in the city after the war. Dutch and German children played in the water, unconcerned with their differences. Reflecting on this experience, I realised that nature does not discriminate—it invites all humans to enjoy the forest, regardless of race or colour. The birds, water, and sky belong to all of us. Whether I am in the Netherlands, Germany, or Belgium, I have learned that it does not matter, because my experience here clearly speaks to a town that exemplifies how all kinds of people can live harmoniously together in a borderless society. In a world where global politics often focus on border restrictions and closures—leading to war and invasion, as seen in the current situation between Israel and Gaza—we are prompted to question our own humanity. I hope that people will recognise that it is possible for us to share common space and time, living in peace and harmony without compromising our own territories. If we are willing to acknowledge the common elements that connect us and focus on these instead of what divides us, we can foster a more inclusive world. Returning to my own country, Kerkrade reminded me of the lyrics from John Lennon’s song: “Imagine there’s no country; it’s easy if you try.” Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match The current head to head record for the teams are Vitesse 9 win(s) Gyan de Regt has created the most big chances for Vitesse (8) Irakli Yegoian has the most shots on target per match for Vitesse (1) Have scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade have won the previous 2 matches against Vitesse. Cain Seedorf has the most shots on target per match for Roda JC Kerkrade (1.5) 19 Apr 2025 14:30:00 GMT?Vitesse won 3–0 over Roda JC Kerkrade on Sat 19 Apr 2025 14:30:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade have won the previous 2 matches against Vitesse Vitesse is playing home against Roda JC Kerkrade at GelreDome on Sat ​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishJUSTICEDutch man and Belgian woman arrested over explosions in Kerkrade4 February 2025 A 24-year-old Belgian woman and a 40-year-old Dutch man were arrested on Tuesday as part of an investigation into several explosions in the Dutch town of Kerkrade in 2024 three explosions took place near a house in Kerkrade a town close to the Belgian and German borders Two people were arrested on Tuesday morning in Riemst by a Dutch arrest team on suspicion of involvement in two of the three explosions Searches were carried out in the Belgian town of Riemst and the Dutch city of Maastricht investigators found large quantities of illegal fireworks 16 November and 24 December 2024 in the late evening at a house in the Grachterstraat in Kerkrade The most recent explosion also damaged a car It is unclear why the explosions took place and why this particular residence was targeted The Dutch-Limburg public prosecutor's office has asked Belgium to extradite the male suspect The case is under criminal investigation in the Netherlands extensive searches were carried out in the area witnesses were interviewed and CCTV footage was secured Anyone with information about the explosions is asked to contact the police #FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO ROBIN UTRECHT/ABACAPRESS.COM Copy linkGet updates in your mailboxYour email addressSubscribeBy clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy rapid and high-quality information 24 hours a day from Belgium and abroad to all Belgian media not to mention entertainment and lifestyle our journalists and press photographers produce hundreds of photos and news stories Since the end of March 2022 English has been added as a language businesses and various organisations that need reliable information Belga News Agency also offers a comprehensive range of corporate services to meet all their communication needs www.belganewsagency.eu Thierry Deleruyelle and Liz Lane will test bands wishing to be crowned World Champion in Kerkrade next year which is held every four years in Kerkrade in The Netherlands has opened its registration process for bands wishing to compete for its 'World Championship' titles The 20th edition sees five divisions for brass bands taking place over the weekend of the 10th-12th July The event attracts bands from across the globe with the Blue Riband category won by Brass Band Willebroek in both 2017 and 2022 A number of new compositions have been commissioned including a new work from British composer Liz Lane which will be used in the new Youth Division 'Mirage' by Jan de Haan composed in 2025 will test the Championship Division competitors It will be made available to competing bands from 1st September Lucy Pankhurst's work 'Ghosts of Industry' which is to be used at the North American National Championships and was recently premiered at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival will be performed by the bands in the First Division New works by Swiss composer Etienne Crausaz 'Modern Times' and French writer Thierry Deleruyelle called 'Black Gold' will challenge the Second and Third Section competitors Bands and ensembles are eager to participate. At this moment, I'm receiving applications from all over the worldBjorn Bus, Artistic Manager of WMCDenis Wick enthusiasm among bands and ensembles for WMC 2026 is high "We are heading for a very busy WMC," he said "Bands and ensembles are eager to participate I'm receiving applications from all over the world." To find out more go to: www.wmc.nl Concert Division:Mirage (Jan de Haan)Publisher: De Haske / Hal Leonard Europe First Division:Ghosts of Industry (Lucy Pankhurst)Publisher: Prima Vista Musikk Second Division:Modern Times (Etienne Crausaz)Publisher: Beriato / Hal Leonard Europe Third Division:Black Gold (Thierry Deleruyelle)Publisher: De Haske / Hal Leonard Europe Youth Division:New composition commissioned by WMC (Liz Lane)Publisher: https://www.lizlane.co.uk/online-shop 4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month May 6 • The music making will go on long into the night in Stavanger on Friday with a special Midnight Brass treat from Manger Musikklag May 6 • Whitworth Vale & Healey capture the essence of victory as there are also wins for Delph Dobcross Silver and St John's Mossley in Buxton May 6 • Join presenter Martin Upfold for more great brass band music over the airwaves with this VE Day celebration special May 5 • 60 bands will look to take one step closer to the British Open this weekend in Blackpool Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex May 5 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for our Principal Cornet position as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond May 4 • Following a successful start to our 2025 contest season Rode Hall Band are looking for a good FRONT ROW CORNET player to join this enthusiastic friendly and progressive 3rd section band based on the Cheshire/Staffordshire border Rode Hall Band are looking for a good SOPRANO CORNET player to join this enthusiastic The current head to head record for the teams are Roda JC Kerkrade 6 win(s) Michael Breij has created the most big chances for Roda JC Kerkrade (6) Have scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Haven't kept a clean sheet in 5 matches Daryl van Mieghem is ranked 2 in big chances created in the competition (24) 24 Apr 2025 18:00:00 GMT?Roda JC Kerkrade vs ADO Den Haag on Thu 24 Apr 2025 18:00:00 GMT ended in a 1–1 tie.InsightsHave scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade is playing home against ADO Den Haag at Parkstad Limburg Stadion on Thu The District Court in Limburg convicted Donny M. of abducting, raping, and murdering 9-year-old Gino van der Straeten in the summer of 2022. The 25-year-old man was also convicted of possession and distribution of child pornography The court sentenced him to 25 years in prison with forced psychiatric treatment The judge in the Maastrict courtroom ordered that M undergo mandatory psychiatric treatment for the rest of his life as well as monitoring and probation for life should he be released from incarceration The Public Prosecution Service (OM) had demanded 28 years plus institutionalized psychiatric treatment (TBS) against the man Gino disappeared from a playground in Kerkrade near his sister’s home on June 1 Gino was visiting his sister because his mother was ill The boy’s disappearance triggered an Amber Alert and the police and volunteers from far and wide spent many hours combing the area for the boy During the trial, M. said that he spotted Gino while driving around Kerkrade that evening and knew immediately that he wanted to “do something” to the boy He spent some time playing football with Gino at the playground and then offered to give the boy a ride home That matched what surveillance and doorbell camera footage from the area showed following Gino by car and on foot for about 12 minutes and spending time playing football with and grooming the boy forced him to sit on the floor in front of the front passenger seat The court considered the camera footage credible The autopsy showed evidence that sexual abuse occurred while the boy was still alive The cause of Gino’s death was the deprivation of oxygen by both strangulation and smothering The court considered a murder conviction appropriate because M.’s behavior clearly showed a plan and intent supported by the use of loud music to cover up the boy’s screams and searches on his phone about how to smother an individual The World Music Contest in Kerkrade will include a new Youth band competition and a return of its World Youth Brass Band The four yearly World Music Contest in Kerkrade has confirmed details of its 2026 event with an emphasis it says on musical excellence and youth participation — including a new Youth Brass Band competition and reprise of the World Youth Brass Band Speaking about the new developments WMC Artistic Manager Bjorn Bus said: "After a WMC it's customary for us to engage with our participants We want to understand the challenges they face These discussions always provide valuable insights leading to adjustments in the structure of the contests." Although the major musical shift applies to the ethos behind the popular competitions for Wind Bands in addition to the new youth band contest there will be a return of the World Youth Brass Band Bus added: "This band was a unique ensemble formed by young musicians from around the globe who had never met before They spent a week living and rehearsing together at Rolduc culminating in several fantastic performances perfectly embodies what WMC stands for: connecting people through music Wind music transcends cultural and geographic boundaries We want musicians to feel inspired and to give even more talented young musicians the chance to participate." The new Youth Division brass band contest is set for players up to 21 (with some exceptions for certain instruments) with bands to perform a set-test and own choice programme of up to 30 minutes in duration4BRDenis Wick The new Youth Division brass band contest is set for players up to 21 (with some exceptions for certain instruments) with bands to perform a set-test and own choice programme of up to 30 minutes in duration The brass band competitions of Youth; Third; Second; First will be held between Friday 10th July and Sunday 12th July 2026 The 2022 Champion was Brass Band Willebroek whilst the section awards went to Brass Band Bacchus Brass Band Gloria Dei and Brass Band Aukstyn A World Youth Percussion Ensemble and a World Youth Wind Band will also be held in 2026 Registration for WMC 2026 opens on April 1st For information go to: https://wmc.nl/en/participate/wmc-2026 brass band themed jewellery and pin badges Donny M. knew he wanted to “do something” to 9-year-old Gino van der Straeten the moment he saw him walking in Kerkrade on the evening of 1 June 2022, the 24-year-old man said in court on Monday, NOS reports but the investigation took a long time because the man’s story did not always match the trace evidence the judge discussed the runup to Gino’s abduction with M The man said that he was supposed to work on 1 June 2022 but instead took drugs and drove around in his car in Zuid-Limburg He spotted Gino in Kerkrade in the early evening and followed him to the playground He spent some time playing football with Gino until the boy said he had to go home Then I think he grabbed his scooter and we walked to my car.” Gino started to panic when he didn’t stop at his sister’s home told Gino to sit on the food of the passenger seat Gino cried and screamed. “I went completely crazy from all that screaming,” said M. Because of that, the man stopped at a swimming pool in Landgraaf, according to him, intending to leave Gino there. He took Gino’s scooter from the car and noticed a woman staring at him. M. said he was afraid Gino would tell her he had been kidnapped, so M. left the scooter and took the boy with him. The prosecutor asked M. why he didn’t get Gino out of the car first if he wanted to get rid of the boy so badly. “I didn’t think like that,” M. said. M.’s questioning will continue on Monday afternoon. The court booked four days for the trial. On Tuesday, M.’s personal circumstances will be discussed and victim statements will be presented. On Wednesday, the public prosecutors will explain their view of the case and demand a sentence. On Friday, M.’s lawyer will speak and the suspect will have the last word. The ruling is expected on November 27. © 2012-2025, NL Times, All rights reserved. Tiago Cukur has created the most big chances for Roda JC Kerkrade (6) Haven't scored in their last 2 matches Hicham Acheffay has the most shots on target per match for FC Den Bosch (1.4) 21 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT?Roda JC Kerkrade vs FC Den Bosch on Fri 21 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT ended in a 0–0 tie.InsightsHave scored 9 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade is playing home against FC Den Bosch at Parkstad Limburg Stadion on Fri The current head to head record for the teams are Roda JC Kerkrade 9 win(s) Roda JC Kerkrade haven't lost to VVV-Venlo in their last 8 meetings (3W, 5D). Have scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches Max De Waal has the most shots on target per match for VVV-Venlo (0.9) Naim Matoug has created the most big chances for VVV-Venlo (6) 29 Mar 2025 15:30:00 GMT?VVV-Venlo won 4–1 over Roda JC Kerkrade on Sat 29 Mar 2025 15:30:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade haven't lost to VVV-Venlo in their last 8 meetings (3W Roda JC Kerkrade is playing home against VVV-Venlo at Parkstad Limburg Stadion on Sat The current head to head record for the teams are Roda JC Kerkrade 5 win(s) Cain Seedorf has created the most big chances for Roda JC Kerkrade (5) Have scored 9 goals in their last 5 matches Jong AZ Alkmaar have won the previous 2 matches against Roda JC Kerkrade. Elijah Dijkstra has created the most big chances for Jong AZ Alkmaar (5) 07 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT?Roda JC Kerkrade vs Jong AZ Alkmaar on Fri 07 Feb 2025 19:00:00 GMT ended in a 3–3 tie.InsightsHave scored 8 goals in their last 5 matches Jong AZ Alkmaar have won the previous 2 matches against Roda JC Kerkrade Roda JC Kerkrade is playing home against Jong AZ Alkmaar at Parkstad Limburg Stadion on Fri The current head to head record for the teams are Telstar 5 win(s) Jeff Hardeveld is ranked 3 in big chances created in the competition (15) Youssef El Kachati has the most shots on target per match for Telstar (1.3) 14 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT?Telstar won 3–1 over Roda JC Kerkrade on Fri 14 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 9 goals in their last 5 matches Telstar is playing home against Roda JC Kerkrade at 711 Stadion on Fri The current head to head record for the teams are Roda JC Kerkrade 8 win(s) Cain Seedorf has the most shots on target per match for Roda JC Kerkrade (1.4) Cain Seedorf has created the most big chances for Roda JC Kerkrade (4) Mees Akkerman has created the most big chances for Jong FC Utrecht (4) 24 Jan 2025 19:00:00 GMT?Roda JC Kerkrade won 3–0 over Jong FC Utrecht on Fri 24 Jan 2025 19:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade is playing home against Jong FC Utrecht at Parkstad Limburg Stadion on Fri Have scored 10 goals in their last 5 matches Anthony van den Hurk has the most shots on target per match for Helmond Sport (1.3) Theo Golliard has created the most big chances for Helmond Sport (9) 11 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT?Roda JC Kerkrade won 3–2 over Helmond Sport on Tue 11 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade is playing home against Helmond Sport at Parkstad Limburg Stadion on Tue The current head to head record for the teams are TOP Oss 3 win(s) Have conceded the most penalties this season (9) Tijmen Wildeboer has the most shots on target per match for TOP Oss (1.3) Have scored 8 goals in their last 5 matches 17 Jan 2025 19:00:00 GMT?Roda JC Kerkrade won 2–0 over TOP Oss on Fri 17 Jan 2025 19:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches TOP Oss is playing home against Roda JC Kerkrade at Frans Heesen Stadion on Fri Haven't kept a clean sheet in 6 matches Roda JC Kerkrade have won the previous 3 matches against FC Emmen. Franck Evina has the most shots on target per match for FC Emmen (1.4) 11 Apr 2025 18:00:00 GMT?Roda JC Kerkrade won 1–0 over FC Emmen on Fri 11 Apr 2025 18:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade have won the previous 3 matches against FC Emmen Roda JC Kerkrade is playing home against FC Emmen at Parkstad Limburg Stadion on Fri Have been awarded the most penalties this season (7) Have kept the most clean sheets in the competition (10) 20 Jan 2025 19:00:00 GMT?Cambuur won 1–0 over Roda JC Kerkrade on Mon 20 Jan 2025 19:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade is playing home against Cambuur at Parkstad Limburg Stadion on Mon The court in Maastricht will start the four-day criminal trial on Monday against 24-year-old Donny M., who is accused of murdering 9-year-old Gino van der Straeten, among other things. The boy disappeared on 1 June 2022 while playing outside in Kerkrade where he was staying with his older sister The case caused much horror and indignation The investigation took a long time, partly because M. gave conflicting statements during police interrogations about what exactly happened. Behavioral experts have determined that the man suffers from various disorders The Public Prosecution Service (OM) also suspects M. of possessing and distributing child pornography and of committing indecent acts with an incapacitated person in 2019 the court will discuss the case with the suspect his personal circumstances will be discussed and victim statements will be presented the public prosecutors will explain their view of the case and demand a sentence M.’s lawyer will speak and the suspect will have the last word The public can follow the trial on screens in a community center elsewhere in Maastricht Museumplein Limburg creates a trinity of complimentary museums: Continium, Cube and Columbus, combining technology, science and design in one museum district. Continium is a discovery centre for science and technology, while Cube is a design museum consisting of design expos and exploratory labs. Columbus houses a unique Earth Theatre shaped as an inverse planetarium and a 3D cinema conceived in partnership with National Geographic. © Rene de WitTogether these elements become a "museum without boundaries", where visitors are regarded as participants rather than spectators. They discover the world and their place in it through interaction, participation and debate. Hence, in addition to museum galleries, Museumplein Limburg also offers shared facilities for conferences, events, workshops and education. © Rene de WitComposition of primary forms vs. elaborate underground landscape : Above ground, the complex appears as a composition of primary solids: a cube, a sphere and a beam. Their pure geometry and omnidirectional orientation counteracts the amorphous and introvert character of the existing museum. Each building has a custom-made facade that emphasises its pure form and free-standing character. The new industrial materials connect to the original building, a former industry museum. © Henry van BelkomA large part of the 7500m2 new program is located underground. By extending the sunken square (the best feature of the original museum) underneath the new volumes, a continuous underground landscape is created that connects all the facilities of Museumplein Limburg, both old and new. In addition to the new museum square, this excavated landscape in red concrete hosts a central entrance hall, a restaurant, an enclosed patio and two tunnels connecting to Cube and Columbus. © Rene de WitCube is draped in a reflective curtain of coated steel that emphasizes the vertical character of the museum. The curtain effect is obtained by the random placement of vertical profiles of three varying folds that each reflect the light differently. The facade is cut open by two identical windows: one vertical that reveals the stacked exhibition floors, and one horizontal that provides the multifunctional space on the top floor with a panoramic view over the Limburg landscape. Museumplein Limburg will program Cube in collaboration with the prestigious German Red Dot Award, the Design Museum in London and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York. © Henry van BelkomColumbus’ cupola is made of two shells of shotcrete. The concrete was sprayed on a permanent geodesic scaffolding filled in with triangular plates of EPS isolation. The seamlessness of the shotcrete skin emphasizes the absolute form and its density guarantees sound insulation from the loud shows inside. An important part of the communal functions in Museumplein Limburg is located in the 80 meter long rectangular volume, a beam hovering above the sunken entrance zone. With its recessed glass plinth, the beam serves as a grand canopy for the public walkway between train station and city centre that runs right through the museum district. Furthermore it marks the two entrances of Museumplein Limburg with two large cantilevers at both ends. The new sunken museum square forms the heart of Museumplein Limburg. It extends seamlessly underneath the floating beam that hovers above the double height entrance hall. The linear entrance hall serves as the logistic backbone of the whole museum district. Visitors descent into this space via one of two wide staircases at both ends: one orientated towards the train station and the other towards the town's centre. © Rene de WitAll stairs, walls and floors of the excavated  landscape are made of a uniform red concrete to emphasize the connective character of the space. The walls were poured in a formwork of rough wooden planks adding a tactile quality that contrasts with the abstract volumes above ground. The excavation out of red concrete, combined with the experience of descending  below ground, refer to the mining past of Kerkrade. © Rene de WitBy situating a large portion of functions underground, the built footprint on the ground level was minimized, thus leaving space for public walkways to criss-cross the complex on this level. © Rene de WitA transversal walkway, punching through the entrance hall, connects the sunken museum square to the district’s bus terminal in the forecourt. This walkway provides train and bus passengers direct access to the museum's restaurant which can double as waiting room, transforming the museum square into a true extension of the public realm of Kerkrade. © Henry van BelkomThe combination of public space and public transport with the museum district fits perfectly with the ambition of a "museum without boundaries": even passers-by become participants You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: The Dutch football association, the KNVB, has called off three matches that were scheduled to be played in the second division, the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, on Friday evening due to adverse weather conditions. De Graafschap against ADO Den Haag was set to be played at 8 p.m. on Friday. This decision came hours after the match between Roda JC and SC Cambuur was called off due to the amount of snow in Roda JC’s stadium, the Parkstad Limburg Stadion in Kerkrade. This match was also scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday. It was announced later in the evening that FC Den Bosch's match against Jong FC Utrecht at De Vliert stadium has also been cancelled due to the weather. There are three more matches scheduled to be played on Friday night in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. The KNVB will announce the new date for these matches soon. This will be the first weekend of professional football matches in the Netherlands since the winter break. FC Volendam tops the Keuken Kampioen Divisie table at the halfway stage. De Graafschap is in fifth position. The KNVB also announced that the remaining 11 minutes in the Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen will be played on January 28. The match was abandoned during the match due to crowd trouble. Heracles has stated that no new ticket sales will happen for the fixture and that only Heracles fans will be allowed into the stadium for the remaining minutes. The current head to head record for the teams are Excelsior 8 win(s) Ilias Bronkhorst has created the most big chances for Excelsior (10) Jerroldino Armantrading has the most shots on target per match for Excelsior (2.2) 02 Mar 2025 15:45:00 GMT?Excelsior vs Roda JC Kerkrade on Sun 02 Mar 2025 15:45:00 GMT ended in a 1–1 tie.InsightsHave scored 8 goals in their last 5 matches Excelsior is playing home against Roda JC Kerkrade at Van Donge & De Roo Stadion on Sun one of the leading companies in supplying industrial furnace systems for the heat treatment of metals has successfully completed the production optimization of a new Twin-Chamber Melting Furnace TCF® at E-Max Billets in Kerkrade The furnace achieved the agreed performance parameters and is now the sole melting unit for higher contaminated scrap at the plant Tenova LOI Thermprocess was awarded a contract for the engineering erection and commissioning of another Twin-Chamber Melting Furnace TCF® (TFC) and a Melting and Casting Furnace (MCF) for the production upgrade and modernization of the customer’s plant The previously operating two-chamber melting furnaces which were supplied and installed also by Tenova LOI Thermprocess in 1990 were successively removed from current production and are now being demolished after 32 years of operation and 1,500,000 t of molten aluminum The new TCF® achieves a daily output of 150 t of liquid aluminum and specific natural gas consumption per ton of molten aluminum by more than 20 percent the efficiency of the modern TCF® technology allows for the treatment of higher contaminated scraps Regarding the remaining scope of work of the contract the tiltable MCF will also be operating starting in spring 2023 this MCF can melt scraps with light contaminations of organics in a single furnace chamber Special processing ensures less metal loss and safe integrated post-combustion granting a sustainable and economic production of liquid aluminum innovative and reliable solutions in the metals and – also through the well-known TAKRAF and DELKOR brands – in the mining industries Tenova leverages a workforce of over 2,200 forward-thinking professionals located in 19 countries across 5 continents who design technologies and develop services that help companies reduce costs limit environmental impact and improve working conditions For more information, visit www.tenova.com Yes, I would like to receive the bi-weekly Foundry-Planet newsletter with all latest news, product and material tests and reports. Plus the special newsletters – all can be cancelled anytime and at no cost. The current head to head record for the teams are FC Volendam 3 win(s) Henk Veerman is the competition's top scorer (26) Bilal Ould-Chikh is ranked 1 in big chances created in the competition (29) Have scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade haven't lost to FC Volendam in their last 5 meetings (1W, 4D). 02 May 2025 18:00:00 GMT?FC Volendam won 3–2 over Roda JC Kerkrade on Fri 02 May 2025 18:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 11 goals in their last 5 matches Roda JC Kerkrade haven't lost to FC Volendam in their last 5 meetings (1W FC Volendam is playing home against Roda JC Kerkrade at Kras Stadion on Fri The 'Abdijcross' in Kerkrade put together arguably their best ever fields for the 50th running which played host to a Kenyan double on Sunday (19) sub-27-minute 10,000m performer Titus Mbishei cut loose from compatriot Andrew Mangata who was competing as a senior for the first time to lead an unopposed Kenyan one-two in 29:44 and 29:53 respectively The Moroccan duo of Ilias Fifa and Chakir Boujattaoui the latter a top-ten finisher at the 2009 IAAF World Cross Country Championships were unable to put up sustained resistance finishing a distant third and fourth in 30:17 and 30:22 respectively with Khalid Choukoud the first Dutchman home in fifth in 30:31 Virginia Nyambura has mainly plied her trade as a pacemaker in the steeplechase on the Diamond League circuit but the 20-year-old showed she can also last the distance with a victory in the 7.4km race despite under no obligation to set the pace this time still ran from the front and the reward was a dominant victory in 26:15 Dutchwoman Ruth Van Der Meijden was second in 26:42 with Belgium's Veerle Dejaeghere There was also a Kenyan one-two at the 30th edition of the Said-Cherdioui cross-country race held in the Tizi Ouzou province in northern Algeria on Saturday (18) Kennedy Kipyego was followed home by Amos Mitei in the 10km race while Zewdnesh Ayele from Ethiopia won the women's 5.2km race ahead of Algerians Malika Benderbal and two-time Olympian over 1500m Nahida Touhami Senbera Teferi scored top honours in the women's 6.3km race at the 33rd edition of the 'Cross Ouest-France' in Le Mans ahead of world youth 1500m champion Tigist Gashaw on Sunday (19) who are both eligible to represent Ethiopia at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Eugene this summer clocked 20:51 and 20:52 respectively with Souad Ait Salem from Algeria at the other end of the age spectrum at 35 Gashaw is also eligible for the junior race at next year's IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang who clocked 13:14.60 for 5000m and 27:14.34 for 10,000m as a junior made a victorious start to his senior career in the men's 10.4km race winning in 30:38 ahead of Ethiopian team-mate Mesfin Alemu Morocco's Othmane El Goumri completed the podium in third in 30:57 Former European junior cross-country champion Charlotte Purdue won by 59 seconds at the fourth leg of the British Athletics Cross Challenge in Cardiff on Sunday (19) Purdue won the 7km race in 25:09 by 59 seconds while Adam Hickey won the men's 10.37km race in 33:05 by 13 seconds Obiri dominates at Kenya Defence Forces while.. The GaiaZOO in Kerkrade can celebrate the arrival of three newborns In addition to a long-awaited newborn giraffe the zoo was delighted to welcome two more births namely that of a vicuña and a rare red-faced spider monkey The little long-necked giraffe was born on Saturday morning and was allowed to explore the indoor enclosure in the early hours of the morning The zookeepers are delighted with the offspring and are pleased that the birth went well was drinking with its mother and standing firmly on its legs," says zookeeper Erlyn Dörenberg Young animals need to stand up shortly after birth This is a reflex that is immediately apparent can quickly become a danger zone for the young calves The young giraffe can usually walk with its mother after just one hour The experienced mother giraffe has lived at GaiaZOO since 2005 The mother carried her young in her belly for 15 months Giraffes are one of Africa's most well-known and charismatic animals They live on the vast savannahs where they search for food in tall trees there are still about 117,000 giraffes living in nature This birth also went smoothly and the cub was able to stand on its own two feet after just a short time a vicuña cub can stand after about 15 minutes and tries to walk with its mother The vicuñas live in small herds and have been at Kerklander Zoo since 2021 the cub becomes increasingly independent and sets off in search of its own herd The rare red-faced spider monkeys have also caused a baby boom at the Kerkrade Zoo with their offspring newborn red-faced spider monkeys do not have a red face at birth The pungent red does not appear on the face until they are older Mothers carry their offspring in their womb for about 7.5 months The birth of the red-faced spider monkey young is a spectacle as very few of these monkeys have been born in European zoos in recent years There are currently around 40 red-faced sloths living in only 10 different zoos in Europe Two letter bombs went off in two Dutch cities early on Wednesday One parcel exploded in the capital Amsterdam after being received in the mail room of a company in the northwestern area of the city "A letter package exploded at a postal sorting company on Wiebachstraat in Kerkrade around 8:30 am [0730 GMT] No one was hurt," said the Limburg police on Twitter The building was evacuated and police investigations are ongoing "It is still unknown whether there is a connection with the explosion of a letter package this morning in Amsterdam," said the Limburg police Archive Architecture who is suspected of having been involved in the death of 9-year-old Gino van der Straeten will be arraigned next Tuesday or Wednesday a spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service (OM) in Maastricht said on Saturday evening The man is also suspected of kidnapping Gino The 22-year-old Gelener was arrested at 4 a.m he indicated where Gino's body was: behind another house not far from the house where the suspect lives The other house was empty because of a recent fire. At the direction of the suspect, the police found Gino's body the forensic team has been investigating two crime scenes in Geleen: the suspect's home and the home behind which Gino was found items were found that may have belonged to Gino Investigating these leads contributed to finding the suspect it was revealed on Saturday afternoon during a press conference with the police and the judiciary in Maastricht The police arrested a man in Kerkrade on Tuesday on suspicion of committing war crimes and other crimes against humanity in Syria in 2013 the Public Prosecution Service and the police said The 34-year-old suspect has been living in the Netherlands since 2020 the police received tips that the man had been involved in a violent arrest in Syria in January 2013 in which the victim was subjected to severe torture several times a prominent Syrian militia that fought for President Bashar Al Assad The authorities believe Liwa A Quds worked closely with Syrian intelligence services and the Russian armed forces The OM considers the militia a criminal organization "with the aim of committing international crimes." "Never before has anyone who fought on the side of the Syrian regime been arrested in the Netherlands because of such suspicions," the Dutch authorities said in a statement published on both the OM and the police websites Police in the Netherlands issued an Amber Alert on Thursday for Gino van der Straeten, a nine-year-old boy who has not been seen since visiting a playground in Kerkrade at about 7:30 p.m Police only use the Amber Alert when they believe someone’s life is in immediate danger as opposed to a Missing Child Alert used in less threatening situations Family members in Kerkrade said they feared the worst for the boy from Maastricht who was supposed to return to his sister’s home after playing football on the playground “We think he was taken,” said one of his sisters I don't see it as running away because he was playing with some other boys." told the local broadcaster that family spent all night frantically searching for the child "We also shouted during the time we searched for him He shouldn't be far away." Kelly then spent two hours discussing the disappearance with police She added in an emotional appeal to the public Gino van der Straeten stands at 1.30 meters in height and was last seen wearing a red Nike Jordan jacket with black sleeves and a red Nike hat He may have been carrying a black step scooter with red handles and red decals Police were looking for an adult who was at the playground with three other children at around 6:30 p.m "They may know more about the boy's whereabouts," Dutch authorities said The missing boy lives with his mother in Maastricht Kelly said the boy spent the week with her because their mother fell ill and his father does not have contact with the family Kelly was soon going to become Gino’s legal guardian The sisters do not believe the issue of guardianship is connected to the child’s disappearance Police said that they are considering several possibilities about the reason for his disappearance A crime has not been ruled out in the case Authorities were using a helicopter and drones in the hunt for young Gino They also asked neighborhood residents to share security camera images with them People nearby were asked to join a large search of the area set to start at about 5 p.m Family and friends spent much of the day distributing flyers with the boy’s photo and description German authorities were also aiding in the search The Dutch town is a short distance north of Aachen and the playground where Gino was last seen is just two kilometers from the German border town of Herzogenrath A child’s step scooter found in Landgraaf on Thursday evening resembles that of a young boy who has been missing since Wednesday evening, a police spokesperson said on Thursday evening. An intense search for the nine-year-old boy, Gino van der Straeten, has been ongoing in Kerkrade Landgraaf is a few kilometers from Kerkrade The scooter was found on Thursday evening around 8:30 pm at a football field in Landgraaf The police are investigating whether it is indeed Gino's scooter The area where the scooter was found is being investigated for trace evidence and clues The scooter was located near a football field and a swimming pool but was staying with his sister in Kerkrade He did not return after playing outside for some time Wednesday evening the boy was carrying a black scooter with red handles About forty volunteers were looking for the boy in a forest near Kerkrade and an adjacent residential area when he failed to return in a search that listed into the early morning hours on Thursday which authorities typically reserve only for cases in which a missing child’s life is believed to be in immediate danger A group of about eighty to ninety volunteers also went looking for the missing boy late Thursday evening in Landgraaf Earlier in the evening they had already tried to find him in Kerkrade The group said they will continue searching as long as possible The 22-year-old man from Geleen will appear in court on Wednesday for the first pro-forma hearing of his trial sexually assaulted and murdered Gino on the same day he abducted him “Questions have been answered that the relatives have been waiting for a long time but for which they actually did not want to hear the answers,” the family’s lawyer Floor Oehlen said to De Limburger “We will do that on Wednesday after the hearing.” Gino disappeared on June 1 while playing in a park near his sister’s house in Kerkrade and volunteers spent days searching for the boy Today’s hearing in the court of Maastricht is a pro-forma hearing The case will not be discussed in substance The hearing is to extend M.’s pre-trial custody Before the trial can start in substance, experts must examine M.’s mental state in the Pieter Baan Center. The results of that examination may take a while yet, according to NU.nl Brass Band Willebroek successfully defend their World Championship title in Kerkrade whilst there are Division crowns for Brass Band Bacchus Brass Band Willebroek led by Frans Violet successfully defended its WMC World Championship title in Kerkrade Although the Belgian band did not top either the set-work or own choice programme disciplines over the two days of competition performances of high-quality discipline and musicality saw them take the honours ahead of Swiss champion Valaisia with Black Dyke in third With the withdrawal of fellow Belgian contender Festival Brass Band and Immortal Brass Eternally from Japan due to Covid-19 and air travel problems just six bands competed for the 4,000 euro first prize and the right to hoist the WMC Concert Division Champions flag in triumph after the Dutch band led after the first day thanks to an expertly tempered rendition of the set-work 'Contest Music' whilst French champion Hauts-de-France was fifth ahead of American visitors James Madison University Wilfred Heaton's masterful composition once again bared its teeth on the Friday evening as the six contenders set out their test-piece credentials ahead of their 40 minute own-choice programmes on Saturday afternoon It was Schoonhoven that provided judges Dr Robert Childs Jan van der Roost and Florent Didier with the lead marker as MD Paul Holland elicited a dynamically controlled sympathetically informed interpretation that brought the score's inherent transparency to bear Aided by excellent individual contributions led by principal cornet Denis Vork the intricate ensemble detail of the score was clearly delineated without artifice in the cavernous expanse of the Roda Hall Little wonder in his post-performance interview Paul Holland said that "everything went to plan" a few too many little smudges in the first movement cost Black Dyke the complete technical security required to set an unbeatable marker off the number 1 draw whilst Brass Band Willebroek's richly mixed ensemble tonality was occasionally at odds with the stark austerity of Heaton's writing in third Prof Nicholas Childs told the live broadcast viewers at home that 'Contest Music' "was a proper test-piece"- still as hard "no matter how many times you play it" whilst Willebroek's principal cornet Lode Violet said that every player knew that "every bar should be perfect" Behind them there was much to discuss as Swiss Champion Valaisia's muscular dynamism led to some individual brittleness that scarred their exciting approach whilst both Haut-de-France and James Madison University couldn't quite match execution to intention There was plenty to play for then as the sextet prepared to deliver their 40 minute own-choice sets to an enthusiastic audience and the 'open' adjudication panel of Russell Gray Here the tables were turned as Valaisia produced a stunning display of virtuosity under Arsene Duc The choregraphed antiphonal opening of Damien Lagger's 'Euroflash' led into a sumptuous performance from Glenn Van Looy of Wim Bex's 'Eagle's Flight' It deservedly give the imperious star the 'Outstanding Soloist' award on a day when all six bands featured their euphonium players The driving precision of Kenneth Hesketh's 'Masque' contrasted the cool sophistication of Pat Metheny's 'Letter from Home' before they closed with a brilliant reprise of Bert Appermont's 'A Gabrieli Fantasy' which they had used at the Swiss and European Championships Arsene Duc could say in summing up his feelings in his post-performance interview was that he was "very proud and very happy" especially with the Gabrieli which was in his opinion "extraordinary in what the composer wants" not only of his solo performance on a piece that was arranged from the original for the event Overall though it wasn't enough to make up the ground to snatch victory from their Belgian rivals Frans Violet drew deep into Willebroek's well of musical inspiration to provide a balanced set in coming runner-up that also offered an intriguing opening comparison in Damien Lagger's 'Euroflash' The hauntingly melancholic sounds of Ben Holling's 'Memories of a Lost Boy' balanced the playful contrasts of Kevin van Giel's accomplished euphonium solo 'Pulcinella' before they closed with Oliver Waespi's coruscating 'Other Lives' that bubbled with dark menace and 'Sliding Doors' intrigue It was the vital element in securing overall victory — a knack they have displayed going back to their first European title success in 1993 under their peerless MD that few can match their soloist said that he felt overall it was "really good" despite the somewhat "far away acoustic" in the hall whilst Lode Violet said that as a young band "we want to do more" although he thought his father "was happy." Black Dyke's hopes of becoming World Champion for the first time since 1970 ended in disappointment as their high-powered approach failed to capture the imagination of the judges as much as it did with listeners in the hall The amuse-bouche 'A Fantasy of Joy' from Fredrick Schjelderup and substantive main course 'Beethoven' work from Philip Wilby that followed (also based on the 9th Symphony 'Ode to Joy') seemed to offer a curious musical segue Both choreographed (the latter featuring no less than 14 cameo solo spotlights) — the opening item somewhat dulled the expectant palette for what was an absorbing 11 minute long interactive audio-visual 'guide' to the brass band much like Benjamin Britten's celebrated 'Purcell' inspired orchestral tour An eye-popping piece of 'Bravura' euphonium playing by Daniel Thomas led into an excitable account of Peter Graham's 'Triumph of Time' but it wasn't to be enough to see the World Champion accolade head back to Queensbury Brass Band Schoonhoven couldn't quite repeat the excellence of their test-piece offering although there was much to admire with the approach and execution of their set — from the opening 'A Brighter Light' by Philip Wilby and 'St Peter's Chorale' by Jonathan Bates to the closing reprise of their European own-choice selection Robbert Vos was the excellent focal point on two movements of Philip Sparke's 'Diamond Concerto' Hauts-de-France also reprised their European own-choice of Pierre-Antoine Savoyet's ornate 'Sinfonietta No 2' to round off a set that embraced Heaton's 'Toccata' and a lovely cameo 'Love Story' specially realised by Howard Snell from his major 'Gallery' test-piece James Madison University also showcased their emerging top flight credentials under Kevin Stees as they under-lined their considered set with a reprise of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'And from the Darkness' which was recently used at the North American Brass Band Championships World Championship winning joy once again then for Brass Band Willebroek as they successfully defended their title and waved the WMC flag in triumph following an uplifting results ceremony that featured the spectacle of the infectious enthusiasm of the 12 strong Brass for Africa Ensemble and the energetic playing of the WMC World Youth Brass Band Just as in the Championship Division the previous day there was a great deal for judges Dr Robert Childs Florent Didier and Jan van der Roost to compare and contrast in a slightly uneven First Division battle between rivals from Belgium Philip Sparke's 'Tallis Variations' proved to be a stern test of technique as well as style whilst at times selected ambition perhaps exceeded realistic expectation in the 30 minute sets as they topped both elements to claim their third World title following successes at Third and Second Division levels in 2001 and 2009 respectively Dotted with experience throughout their ranks (including the welcome sight of Raf Van Looveren on principal cornet) they opened with Marin Cordner's 'The Adventurers' before contrasting the set-work with an evocative account of Jonathan Bates' Antarctic inspired 'Amundsen' Earlier the marker had been set by fellow Belgian contenders Mercator Brass off the number 1 draw who must have tempered his celebrations from the night before after the victory of Brass Band Willebroek they opened with tuba player Stijn Aertgeert's flowing 'Osterfjorden' Their euphonium soloist Tom de Laet gave a confident rendition of Max Bruch's 'Kol Nidrei' before 'Tallis Variations' was topped by the fizzy 'Opening Night in Las Vegas' by Reid Gilje to close Third place went to Brass Band Merum with a set that included the opener 'I'll Walk with God' and the dramatic The remaining top-six places were claimed by Pro Rege Heerenveen whose excellent cornetist Dirk van Dijk took the 'Best Soloist' award for his overall contribution to their programme whilst Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus were fifth who gained the musical achievement award after also overcoming a number of last-minute problems posed by Covid-19 to make it to the event There was a comprehensive Dutch victory in the Second Division where Brass Band Gloria Dei retained the title won in 2017 with a performance of imposing authority under MD It was their third successive Kerkrade success (they also won the Third Division in 2013) and came courtesy of a triptych of high-quality performances — right from the opening drive of Etienne Crausaz's 'The Turtle Dove' They followed it with an evocative account of Thibaut Bruniaux's 'Babylon' first used at the French Nationals in 2018 and which offered an excellent contrast to the contained requirements of Gilbert Vinter's 'Entertainments' — played with a confident assuredness and directed with informed nuance Their exceptional cornet player Oebele van der Heide deservedly claimed the 'Best Soloist' award "I'm very happy,"the MD said in his interview but I was very happy with the musical journey." but he said that the band had played the Vinter previously so knew it well whilst they worked for seven weeks on 'Babylon' "I've heard a lot of music of Vinter — 'Spectrum' of course but with 'Entertainments' you hear everything It looks easy but the clarity is the difficulty" The Belgian contender Brass Band Panta Rhei had earlier given the judges a substantial marker off the number 1 draw Led by Brass Band Willebroek horn star Tim De Maeseneer they opened with the grand sounds of Jan Van der Roost's 'Hypernicon' before a well delivered set-work segued into their closing item of 'A Flowing Friction' by Lode Violet Third place was claimed by Dutch contender Brass Band Excelsior Ferwert who opened with the quiet reflection of 'All in the April Evening' before moving into the set-test and finishing with Kenneth Downie's 'Purcell Variations' The growing maturity of the Lithuanian brass band movement was shown in the Third Division where the World Championship crown was won by Brass Band Aukstyn After showcasing their talents at the European Youth Championships in Birmingham in May the young band made the trip to Kerkrade encompassing five days of travel through Poland and Germany Each day they stopped for four hours of rehearsal before ending at the home town of conductor Piet Visser to give a concert as they produced a sparkling opening of 'Celebrity' by Swiss composer Mario Burki followed a fine rendition of the set-work that included confident choreographed solo cameos from all featured players with a swaggering account of Duke Ellington's 'Caravan' to claim the title The MD who has worked in Lithuania for over 25 years developing a foundation of brass banding in small villages and towns spoke with great pride after the performance "When I first went there we had a small joke to just get a band to play in tune Now they are so enthusiastic that they can do anything." Although there were only three bands taking part in the contest with the Belgian duo of Brass Band Hombeek in second who featured the cleverly conceived and choreographed 'Gammel Dansk' Their outstanding flugel player Christine de Pauw took the 'Best Soloist' award for her touching rendition of Caccini's 'Ave Maria' It was to be the vital element in securing overall victory — a knack they have displayed going back to their first European title success in 1993 under their peerless MD that few can match4BRDenis Wick Championship/Concert Division:Adjudicators: Set Work: Dr Robert Childs; Jan van der Roost; Florent DidierOwn Choice programme: Russell Gray; Jan de Haan; Hannes BucheggerSet-Work: Contest Music (Wilfred Heaton)Set Work/Own Choice = Total Brass Band Willebroek (Frans Violet): 93.00/97.33 = 95.17 2 Valaisia Brass Band (Arsene Duc): 91.50/98.33 = 94.923 Black Dyke (Prof Nicholas Childs): 94.00/95.33 = 94.674 Brass Band Schoonhoven (Paul Holland): 95.00/93.00 = 94.005 Hauts-de-France Brass Band (Luc Vertommen): 91.00/95.33 = 93.176 James Madison University Brass Band (Kevin Stees): 88.00/91.00 = 89.50 Best Set-Work Performance: Brass Band SchoonhovenOutstanding Soloist in Own Choice Programme: Glenn Van Looy (euphonium) — Valaisia Brass Band First Division:Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Florent Didier; Jan van der RoostSet-Work: Tallis Variations (Philip Sparke)Set-Work/Own-Choice programme = Total Brass Band Bacchus (Bart van Neyghem): 96.00/95.00 = 95.502 Mercator Brass Band (Johan De Win): 94.33/93.00 = 93.673 Brass Band Merum (Theo Wolters): 93.33/92.33 = 92.834 Pro Rege Heerenveen (Anne van den Berg): 91.67/89.67 = 90.675 Ensemble de Cuivres Ambitus (Gilles Rocha): 91.33/88.67 = 90.006 Regent Brass (Alan Duguid): 87.67/87.00 = 87.337 Flixton Band (Matthew Ryan): 86.33/85.67 = 86.008 United Harriet Colliery Band (Harry Vorselen): 85.00/85.33 = 85.17 Musical Achievement Award: Regent BrassBest Soloist: Dirk van Dijk (Brass Band Pro Rege Heerenveen) — cornet Second Division:Adjudicators: Russell Gray; Hannes Buchegger; Jan der HaanSet-Work: Entertainments (Gilbert Vinter)Set-Work/Own-Choice programme = Total Brass Band Gloria Dei (Gerk Huisma): 94.67/96.33 = 95.502 Brass Band Panta Rhei (Tim De Maeseneer): 94.33/88.67 = 91.503 Brass Band Excelsior Ferwert (Gijs Heusinkveld): 90.33/90.33 = 90.334 Gereformeerde Brass Band Groningen (Jan Werkman): 89.67/90.00 = 89.835 Martini Brass Band (Rieks van der Velde): 89.33/88.67 = 89.006 Brass Band Schoonhoven B (Zoran Rosendahl): 87.67/89.67 = 88.677 Lewis Merthyr Band (Craig Roberts): 87.33/86.67 = 87.00 Musical Achievement Award: Brass Band Gloria DeiBest Soloist: Oebele van der Heide (Brass Band Gloria Dei ) — cornet Third Division:Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Florent Didier; Jan van der RoostSet-Work: Albinus (Etienne Crausaz)Set-Work/Own-Choice programme = Total Brass Band Aukstyn (Piet Visser): 95.33/94.67 = 95.002 Brass Band Hombeek (Stan Nieuwenhuis): 94.00/94.67 = 94.333 United Brass (Frank Vantroyen): 92.00/91.67 = 91.83 Musical Achievement Award: Brass Band HombeegBest Soloist: Christine De Pauw (United Brass) — flugel Four people were stabbed in separate incidents in The Hague The violent assaults happened between early Saturday evening and the early morning hours on Sunday but police were looking for at least one specific suspect in two of the cases The first stabbing happened at about 6 p.m Police were called to handle the incident on Fisherstraat where they found the injured person A trauma team was sent to the scene by helicopter The nature of the victim’s injuries was not released Police were investigating the case and looking for a suspect another person was stabbed in front of a small grocery store on C Police said they had identified one suspect but no arrests were announced an hour after the incident Witnesses told NL Times that it started with a minor-aged boy throwing a glass bottle at the grocery store’s van One person from the store confronted the boys several cars showed up leading to a violent confrontation with the staff in the store but was conscious and recovering on Sunday Police did not release the victim’s condition only saying he was hospitalized for treatment of his wounds Officers investigating the case did confirm that to local news outlets that more people may have been involved in the stabbing They asked for anyone in the area with video or pictures from the scene to contact them a 27-year-old man with no fixed residence was stabbed during an argument with another person Police believe both people pulled out a knife during the incident on Saturday after finding the victim lying on Mijnsheerenlaan with a knife next to him “He had serious injuries and was in an unresponsive condition when taken to the hospital,” police said The knife lying at the scene was likely the victim’s There were no arrests in the immediate aftermath “An investigation into the suspect was immediately launched including in a house where he may have fled to via the porch Police responding to a reported violent crime in Kerkrade found one person hurt on Franciscanerstraat when an argument between a group of people got out of hand in the Limburg city 4BR Editor Iwan Fox recently spent time with Manger Musikklag as they prepared for their assault on the World Championship in Kerkrade Manger Musikklag is on its way to play at the World Music Championship in Kerkrade: Sat in a car with a trio of players from the band the three hour drive from Leeuwarden on a hot Friday afternoon passes in a flash.  there’s nothing much in the landscape outside to detract the attention as we make our way to a Friday evening concert with Brass Band Nord Limburgse in the small Belgian town of Peer “Everyone in Norway looks towards the UK for inspiration– so we can’t quite understand why there seems to be so many problems there at the moment,” Birgitte says.  By the time we reach our destination you can’t help but feel that the desire to absorb what is good bad and even slightly odd about the brass band culture of the UK and beyond is one of the secrets to their success The MD has worked the band hard in preparation for the World Championship event.  The trio know they are up against a high class field – with Cory and Treize Etoiles from Switzerland joined by the ambitious Brass Band Heist from Belgium and a brace of Americans challengers in Atlantic Brass and Chicago Brass Each player has forked out around 500 Euros to make the trip and pays a regular monthly fee (paid in two six monthly instalments) to help keep Manger on the road They have no bandroom to call their own in or around the city of Bergen government institutions such as local schools must provide their facilities free of charge to musical organisations.  Eikanger currently has the upper hand on the domestic front – but as the Manger players are keen to remind you with a smile on their faces it is they who last won the European title (in 2011) – even if their rivals did come mighty close in Oslo in May “We did want Eikanger to win,” Nils says smiling a touch unconvincingly as he does so it must be said.  and like them we really want to play against the best bands in the world on a regular basis – at the Europeans With the announcement of Cory in second place the cheers erupt and after Nils is presented with the cheque for 3,500 Euros and the World Championship banner the players race to the stage to start their joyful celebrations The Norwegian songs of triumph are sung lustily as the players (some close to tears) hug and congratulate each other on their communal success Unquestionable talent and immense commitment has brought Manger Musikklag their latest success It couldn’t have happened to a nicer or more welcoming bunch of people FTCL LGSMD (Hons) Musician | Trombonist | Educator