Royal Fanfare Kempenbloei from Achel, Belgium, has won the world title in the fanfare concert division at the World Music Contest (WMC) in Kerkrade.
The six-time world champion scored 97.20 points under conductor Ivan Meylemans at the Rodahal on Sunday evening, July 26, 2026.
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Triple F Collective Takes Second Place
The newly formed Dutch-Belgian project orchestra Triple F Collective secured second place with 94.80 points.
The 55-member ensemble, led by conductor Frenk Rouschop, performed alongside the choir Carmina Viva from St. Vith.
Rouschop noted the intense preparation required for the showcase. "With 13 rehearsals, that is not much," he said.
He emphasized his goal to push the boundaries of traditional fanfare.
"I want to show that the fanfare orchestra, in terms of richness of sound, does not have to be inferior to other orchestra forms," Rouschop added.
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Kempenbloei's winning repertoire included Harrie Janssen's "Concerto for Organ and Fanfare" with organ soloist Peter Van de Velde.
The program also featured works by Simon Dobson, Julie Giroux, and Wim Bex.
The Belgian ensemble has dominated the division for 25 years, winning six of the last seven WMC editions.
During the event, composer and conductor Jan van der Roost was named an official ambassador of the World Music Contest.
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The WMC continues through August 2, 2026, concluding next weekend with symphony band performances in the concert division.
