A quite typical phenomenon within the world of wind band music is the organization of contests, a competition between several wind bands. Since 1951, Kerkrade has hosted a prestigious event which boasts a worldwide reputation and which can be called a real trend setter for concert contests and the repertoire performed at these contest. It was an immediate success which got surpassed at each of the following editions.

In 2013 we had the sixteenth edition of the WMC which hosted no less than sixty-three symphonic wind bands from different parts of the world, gathering in the province of Limburg.

The eye-catchers on these compact discs are, of course, first of all the test-pieces of the concert division and the 1st division, including the unique composition Sinfonia Resurrectionis by Vaclav Nelhybel. This extensive work has been revised and digitalized for the World Music Contest in order to be well-suited for the concert division.

Extreme Beethoven was commissioned from Johan de Meij by the WMC Foundation and was performed by no less than nineteen symphonic bands. Added to this are recordings of performances by top wind bands and maestros such as Kon. Harmonie Sainte Cécile, Eijsden (NL) (Jan Cober), the Spanish Banda de Lalín (Bram Sniekers), Kon. Harmonieorkest Vooruit, Harelbeke (Belgium)(Geert Verschaeve), Harmonie St Petrus & Paulus Wolder-Maastricht (NL)(Matty Cilissen) and completed with orchestras from Germany, Austria, Italy and Thailand.

Contents:
CD 1
1. Bachseits (Johannes Stert)
Koninklijke Harmonie Sainte Cécile, Eijsden / Jan Cober

2. Symphony No.3, part 3 and 4 (James Barnes)
Kasetsart University Wind Symphony & Nontri Orchestra Wind, Bangkok / Surapol Thanyawibool

3. Los Caprichos de Goya (Francisco José Martinez Gallego)
Banda Unión Musical de Meaño, Pontevedra / David Fiuza Souto

4. Molly on the Shore (Percy Grainger)
De Amsterdamse Tramharmonie, Amsterdam / Jacco Nefs

5. Seventh Suite For Band (Alfred Reed)
Jeugdorkest van de Koninklijke Harmonie van Peer / Kevin Houben

6. Night Party Music (Alexander Comitas)
JungeBläserPhilharmonie NRW, Düsseldorf / Harry Vorselen

CD 2
1. Festival Variations (Claude T Smith)
Bevers Harmonieorkest, Beveren-Leie / Bert Decavel

2. Caucasische Epode (Alexander Comitas)
Koninklijke Harmonie St Cecilia Mheer / Fried Dobbelstein

3. Pilgrim Concerto (Thomas Doss)
Sinfonisches Blasorchester Ried / Karl Geroldinger

4. Red Line Tango (John Mackey)
Muziekvereniging Wilhelmina Glanerbrug, Enschede / Fried Dobbelstein

5. Squarring Off from The Light Fantastic (Andrew Rindfleisch)
Koninklijke Harmonie van Peer vzw / Ivan Meylemans

6. Escenas de los Aztecas (James Barnes)
Orchestra di Fiati 'Città di Ferentino' / Alessandro Celardi