Swiss Armed Forces Brass Band

The Swiss Armed Forces Brass Band is one of the most sought-after military orchestras in Switzerland. Its approximately 30 members include the most gifted brass band musicians from all four parts of the country, including some soloists known beyond the borders of Switzerland. This enables the band to deal with a rich and demanding repertoire. Her work has taken her to various concert halls at home and abroad, as well as to congresses and seminars. In 2019, she was the musical figurehead of the Basel Tattoo and in 2022 she was able to captivate audiences with her specially commissioned Corona Requiem "Mourned from afar".

Under the musical impetus of Major Philipp Werlen and the military leadership of Captain Fabio Küttel, the formation seeks regular collaborations with national and international composers, soloists, choirs and conductors. Thus, the Swiss Armed Forces Brass Band is constantly striving to generate new literature for brass band and to offer its young talents a platform. With various recordings, videos and their attractive, high-quality and entertaining concert program, the band can count itself among one of the most diverse ensembles.
 
Major Philipp Werlen, Musical Director
Philipp Werlen was born in Ferden, in the canton of Valais. At the age of 10 he began his training on the alto horn in E flat in the music society "Minerva" Ferden.
He studied at the University of the Arts in Bern Althorn in E flat and direction with Prof. Thomas Rüedi and Prof. Ludwig Wicki, where he received his bachelor's degree in 2011 and his master's degree in 2013. In December 2015, he was nominated by the Kiwanis Club for the award for the best master's degree between 2013 and 2015.
From 2008 to 2022 he played in the brass band Bürgermusik Luzern, with which he became European champion in 2014.
Various further training courses in directing led him to personalities such as Ivan Meylemans, Douglas Bostock, Allan Withington and many more. Philipp Werlen is currently studying at the University of Salford in Manchester at his DMA in the direction of Prof. David King and Dr. Robin Dewhurst, and has been leading the Swiss Armed Forces Brass Band since 2018.
In 2016, Philipp Werlen took up the position of Head of Recruit Play at the Military Music Competence Centre and since November 2025 he has been responsible for training as Head of Schools.

The financial compensation to the Swiss Armed Forces Brass Band will be used for the benefit of the musical promotion of young people.