Fanfare De Eendracht Den Ilp is a remarkable Fanfare Band based in the village of Den Ilp (Netherlands), combining musical ambition with close local roots and a warm sense of community. What began in 1891 as a group of enthusiastic villagers has matured into a top-level fanfare orchestra, celebrated nationally and internationally alike.
A Heritage of Musical Passion
The story of De Eendracht began on 1 November 1891, when local music-lovers gathered under the leadership of Leendert Hoogeveen and others to found the fanfare. In its early years, the band participated in regional contests and steadily built its reputation. Over the decades, the orchestra weathered changes in membership, rehearsal venues, and public taste, evolving with determination.
In the mid-20th century, De Eendracht gained momentum, achieving first prizes in regional competitions and expanding both its membership and artistic ambition. A notable step forward came in 2006, when under the baton of conductor Marcel Visser, the orchestra was promoted to the Ere-division (second division). In 2009, it reached the first division (the top competitive level) through a winning performance at the Enschede concours. Since then, it has pursued excellence in performance, repertoire, and competition.
Competitive Achievements & International Success
De Eendracht’s competitive record is outstanding. It has claimed the Dutch championship in the first division multiple times (in 2014, 2018, and 2019) and was vice-champion in 2024. The orchestra has also won other major honors, such as the “Lof der Jury” prize at the Veldhoven Concert Contest (1st division) with a remarkable score of 92.75 points. In 2022, under Marcel Visser’s leadership, De Eendracht was crowned World Champion in the 1st Division Fanfare category at the World Music Contest (WMC) in Kerkrade, achieving a total of 94.17 points.
At that WMC performance, the required piece Paradise Cave (by Jan de Haan) earned 93.33 points, and the choice work Ouroboros (by Zoran Rosendahl) scored 95, giving the orchestra the highest overall score among 13 leading ensembles. That triumph firmly established De Eendracht’s place on the global stage of wind music.
As part of their ongoing journey, De Eendracht is preparing to defend its title at WMC 2026 in Kerkrade, marking their third participation in the prestigious festival. Their 2026 program features a mix of tradition and innovation: the required piece Apatheia by Kevin Houben, The Hero’s Journey (a commissioned work by Tom Schipper), and a fanfare arrangement of Redline Tango by John Mackey (arranged by Stefan van de Hoogt).
Local ACTIVITIES
Despite its competitive success, De Eendracht retains a strong bond with local life in Den Ilp and surrounding communities. The ensemble is proud to perform at civic ceremonies, such as the annual 4 May commemoration in the Ilperveld, and maintains a beloved tradition of playing carols at Christmas in the village. Every spring, the orchestra organizes the Trilveen Festival, a music festival for fanfares, harmonies and brass bands, inviting enthusiasts and musicians to gather in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.
Concerts are never routine. De Eendracht plays everything from gala and themed performances to grand concours programs, always aiming for expression, connection and musical impact. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 19:45 to 22:15 in the village hall “De Wije Ilp” in Den Ilp. New members, especially buglers and experienced wind players, are encouraged to join and “let their voice be heard.
The Sound and commitment
What makes De Eendracht special is more than competitive success or historical prestige. It is a group of about 55 dedicated musicians (as of 2022) that combines musical discipline with joy, camaraderie and a shared love for wind music. Under Marcel Visser’s direction, the ensemble pursues new repertoire and expressive nuance, always striving to connect with the audience emotionally. Each concert is approached as a fresh opportunity to inspire and move — with passion, musical integrity, and mutual support at its core.
As De Eendracht enters its next chapter with WMC 2026 approaching, the orchestra invites listeners, musicians, and supporters to follow its artistic journey. Whether on stage in Kerkrade or in a local concert in Den Ilp, its mission remains the same: to bring the best of fanfare music to life, with heart, excellence, and community spirit.