160 years of the Filzmoos Village Band – brass band sounds to the beat of history

And what was happening where you are 160 years ago? In Filzmoos, the answer is clear: music was being played! According to oral tradition, the origins of the Filzmoos Village Band date back to 1865. Since then, it has accompanied the village through generations - in joy and sorrow, festivities and everyday life. The band is not only a music ensemble, but also a living expression of the Filzmoos attitude to life.

The roots of the Filzmoos Village Band go back to 1865, when Johann Jäger is mentioned as the first bandmaster. In the following decades, committed personalities such as David Hauser, Kaspar Penn and Florian Vierthaler shaped the musical events in the village. Over the decades, the development of the band also reflected the changing times: initially without a club fund, the first musicians had to finance their instruments themselves. Rehearsals took place in simple rooms such as the small kitchen in the Knappenhäusl, which served as a rehearsal venue for decades. Despite interruptions due to the war, the band continued to develop steadily, received its uniform costume in 1952 and found a permanent home with the construction of the rehearsal room in the Raiffeisenhaus in 1977. Under bandmasters such as Alois Höll and Sepp Kirchgasser, musical successes were celebrated, numerous young talents were trained, and the musical standard was constantly improved.

Today the Filzmoos Village Band is a proud village showpiece and has over 50 members. With around 150 rehearsals and performances every year, it is firmly anchored in the cultural and social life of the community. It accompanies festive occasions, church celebrations and personal life events - always with musical dedication and a tangible sense of community.

The Filzmoos Village Band is also known further afield: Concert tours have taken them to the USA, Holland, Belgium and the UNICEF Gala in Düsseldorf, among other places. Such highlights show the enthusiasm and quality with which music is made – and how much the sound from Filzmoos is also appreciated elsewhere.

The band concerts in the village square by the Filzmoos Village Band are an integral part of the summer season- and a little highlight every time. Every Friday at 8:00 pm, in good weather the band plays on the village square and creates a real Filzmoos atmosphere at the foot of the Bischofsmütze mountain. Traditional brass band music, sociable get-togethers and the jolly atmosphere on a summer evening make these concerts something very special - for locals and guests alike.

A very special anniversary is coming up: The Filzmoos Village Band is celebrating its 160th anniversary from Friday, 23rd May to Sunday, 25th May 2025 - a proud chapter of living music tradition. To mark the occasion, we cordially invite you to a festive weekend full of music, community and tradition.

photo credits: TMK Filzmoos