The Percussion Ensemble of Hinnerup Garden consists of seven young musicians aged 12 to 30, all passionate about playing percussion. The ensemble is rooted in the proud Danish percussion tradition, incorporating marching drums, classical percussion, and mallet instruments. Since 2017, the ensemble has been led by percussionist Rasmus Clemens and has remained undefeated in every competition they have entered. Notable achievements include victories at every official Danish Championships since 2019 (2019, 2022, and 2024), as well as five first-place wins at the Danish Open – several times with maximum points. Hinnerup Garden is based in the town of Hinnerup, located just outside Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city. The band has around 50 members aged 8 and up. On a daily basis, it is divided into four units: beginner school, junior corps, brass band, and drum corps each with their own instructor, but with strong collaboration and a close-knit spirit across all groups. Dirigent | Rasmus Clemens

Percussion ensemble WIK is one of the divisions of the Royal Fanfare “Willen is Kunnen” from Zemst-Laar, Flemish Brabant, Belgium. It consists of both rhythmic and melodic percussion instruments, complemented by guitars, a piano, and occasionally a wind section. They are about 25 young musicians with a strong rhythmic sense, conducted by Nik Goovaerts. Every Saturday afternoon, they rehearse enthusiastically to perform at the highest level. The success of this group reaches far beyond the Flemish borders: first prizes at European and World Championships proudly adorn the WIK rehearsal hall. In 2009, they participated in the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, where they became world champions—a prestigious title they held for four years. In 2023, the percussion ensemble took part in Vlamo’s WTC Percussion competition. They performed at a top level and achieved first place in the superior division with an impressive 98.33% score! They went on to win another championship title in the Netherlands at the ONSK in 2024. On October 5, 2025, they once again competed in Vlamo’s WTC Percussion, in the superior division, becoming Belgian champions with 96.37%, and were also named Vlamo Ambassadors. Since 2014, the percussion ensemble has organized its own annual concert featuring world-class performances and soloists: “Ritmo y Tapas del Mundo. Dirigent | Thomas Asanger

Juliana Doornspijk Percussion Ensemble is a percussion group that brings energy, creativity, and rhythm to every performance. Since its founding, the ensemble has grown into a dynamic collective of enthusiastic musicians, united by their passion for percussion. The group is led by the dedicated and driven conductor Melvin Puijn, whose leadership has played a key role in its development. In recent years, especially since the challenges of the pandemic, our ensemble has experienced tremendous growth — both in musical quality and membership. With the arrival of a large number of highly motivated young players, the demand for more playing and performing opportunities has increased. To meet this need, we have an A and B ensemble where each member can continue to grow. We are here for you as a collective ensemble. This growth has led to remarkable achievements: in January 2023, we took first place at the Dutch Championship in the second division. In November 2023, we achieved an impressive score of 87 points at a major competition. In April 2025, we won the title of Open Dutch Champion at the ONSK, and in July we tied for first place at the EMC in Rastede. This is a testament to our passion, teamwork, and dedication. Dirigent | Melvin Puijn

KONINKLIJKE FANFARE PHILHARMONIE LEENDE The Koninklijke Fanfare Philharmonie from Leende was founded on May 1, 1850, as the music association Philharmonie. In 1867, the association became the Fanfare Philharmonie, and in 1960, the association received the Royal designation. The Philharmonie has a history characterized by musical excellence and community involvement. For example, the band won the national championship in the premier division in 1955 and 1989. This quality has continued to this day, culminating in a record score of 95.75 points in the superior division in 2002. In addition to performing at a high level, the band has been a prominent presence in the village for more than a century and a half, enhancing special events such as King's Day, Remembrance Day, carnival, fairs, and the presentation of Royal Decorations. The association has over 140 members. At the Philharmonie, music-making is paramount. The large orchestra (fanfare orchestra) competes in the first division, and the percussion orchestra (youth and adults) in the second division. The Philharmonie also has a student orchestra and a small group orchestra. All sections of the association are led by enthusiastic and passionate conductors. Dirigent | Patrick Schmeits

Vibracoustic, the percussion ensemble of the Koninklijke Harmonie Sint-Laurentius from Bocholt, Belgium, was founded in 2013. Under the expert guidance of conductor Nico Camps, the group has cultivated a unique and original style. Their repertoire is a versatile blend of creative pop arrangements and impressive concert works, performed on a wide array of melodic and rhythmic percussion instruments often supported by bass guitar and piano. Vibracoustic is renowned for its captivating stage shows, which feature engaging light effects and a touch of humor. Their musical prowess and showmanship have not gone unnoticed: In 2019, the ensemble was awarded a First Prize Cum Laude at the European Music Festival for Youth in Pelt. Now Vibracoustic is eager to bring its distinctive and energetic sound to the esteemed stage of the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, ready to mesmerize a new international audience. Dirigent | Jelco Adamczyk