When Brass Meets Rock
When brass meets rock, cultures connect through music.
Brass Meets Rock is a musical collaboration between Rockkoor Enschede from the Netherlands and Brasset from Linköping, Sweden.
The project highlights the power of international connections. Through the sister city relationships linking Palo Alto (USA), Linköping (Sweden), and Enschede (The Netherlands), musicians from different countries come together to share their passion for music and strengthen cultural ties.
These relationships have been fostered since the 1980s by the sister city organization Neighbors Abroad of Palo Alto, which maintains close connections with both Linköping and Enschede.
The result of this collaboration is a joint concert titled Brass Meets Rock , taking place on 20 May 2026 in Linköping, Sweden.
Connecting Cities Through Music
Enschede
Enschede is the largest city in the Twente region in the eastern Netherlands, close to the German border. With around 162,000 inhabitants and more than 160 nationalities , the city is known for its international character and strong sense of community.
Once a center of the Dutch textile industry , Enschede has transformed into a modern city focused on innovation, education, and culture. The city is home to the University of Twente , Saxion University of Applied Sciences , and a vibrant ecosystem of technology companies and start-ups.
Music plays an important role in the cultural life of Enschede. From orchestras and choirs to rock, metal, and electronic music, the city has a lively and diverse music scene. It is also the hometown of rock guitarist Ad Vandenberg , known for his work with the bands Vandenberg and Whitesnake .
This dynamic cultural environment is where Rockkoor Enschede was founded, bringing together singers who share a passion for rock music and live performance.
Rockkoor Enschede proudly represents the city in the international concert project Brass Meets Rock.
Palo Alto
Palo Alto is a city in Santa Clara County, California , located in the San Francisco Bay Area . With a population of around 68,500 residents , the city is known internationally as one of the centers of technological innovation in Silicon Valley .
The city is home to Stanford University , founded in 1891, which has played a major role in shaping the region's reputation for research, entrepreneurship, and technological development. Over the years, Palo Alto has been closely connected with many pioneering companies and innovators who helped establish Silicon Valley as a global hub for technology.
Music and culture also form part of the city's identity. During the 1960s, the San Francisco Bay Area became an important center of rock music, with artists such as Jefferson Airplane and Santana emerging from the region. Musicians including Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac and singer songwriter Joan Baez also have strong connections to Palo Alto.
Through the sister city organization Neighbors Abroad of Palo Alto, the city has maintained long standing relationships with Enschede in the Netherlands and Linköping in Sweden . These connections have encouraged cultural exchange and collaboration between the three cities.
The Brass Meets Rock project is one example of this international cooperation, bringing musicians from Enschede and Linköping together through a shared passion for music.
Linköping
Linköping is the capital of Östergötland County in southern Sweden, with around 167,000 inhabitants. The city has a long history as a regional centre and remains an important hub for education, innovation, and culture.
One of the city’s most prominent landmarks is Linköping Cathedral (Domkyrkan), parts of which date back to the 12th century, reflecting the city’s long standing role as the seat of the Diocese of Linköping.
In modern times, Linköping has developed into a centre for technology and research. The city is home to Linköping University, founded in 1969, and has strong connections to the aerospace and high tech industries, including the Swedish aircraft manufacturer Saab. A growing technology sector has helped establish Linköping as one of Sweden’s leading innovation cities.
Linköping is also the home of prominent sports teams in floorball, volleyball, ice hockey, and women´s football. Musically, the Linköping Symphony Orchestra, theatrical heavy metal band Ghost and rock band the Pusjkins all have their roots in the city.
The city is also home to Brasset, the brass band based at Ryttargårdskyrkan, which will host the international concert Brass Meets Rock in May 2026.
The Concert
On 20 May 2026 , in the historic setting of Ryttargårdskyrkan in Linköping , Rockkoor Enschede and Brasset will share the stage for a special joint concert celebrating music, international friendship, and cultural exchange.
With more than sixty singers from Rockkoor Enschede joining forces with the brass musicians of Ryttargårdskyrkan , the audience can expect an energetic program that combines the power of rock with the rich sound of brass.
Carefully selected repertoire will create a concert experience that is both powerful and memorable.
Brass Meets Rock is more than a performance. It is a celebration of collaboration across borders, generations, and musical traditions. Together, we aim to create an unforgettable evening of music that connects communities through shared passion and artistry.
When
May 20, 2026
Where
Ryttargårdskyrkan (Ryttargård Church)
Djurgårdsgatan 97 | 582 29 Linköping, Sweden