Moving forward: Stavanger Brass Band
(Published in The Brass Herald)

Norway; home of magnificent scenery, untamed nature and the Nobel Peace Prize! Since the Second World War, Norway has experienced rapid economic growth and is now one of the wealthiest countries in the world with a fully developed welfare system and considerable investment in the arts. A significant contributing factor to this economic development is due to the exploitation of coastal gas and oil reserves. Norway's ‘oil capital' is the south west town of Stavanger where spectacular fjords indent the rugged coastline and mountains rise high above tranquil valleys. An industrial town with a keen interest in the arts; surely the perfect recipe for a brass band!

Formed in 1980, Stavanger Brass Band is a focal hub for dedicated amateurs, music students and professionals alike. They have won the Norwegian National title an incredible seven times and have built up a celebrated reputation as an ensemble who aren't afraid to promote an innovative and fresh approach to the brass band medium.

Stavanger has quite a history of music making. Its museum is the home of two 3000 year old 5ft long bronze lurs. Very rare, the lur is an S-shaped conical tube dating from the Bronze Age and is recognised as one of the earliest brass instruments. The lurs housed in Stavanger museum were discovered in Hafrsfjord; the site of the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 890 which led to Norway's status as a sovereign state.

I asked eminent conductor Garry Cutt what makes Stavanger Brass Band stand out within the Banding fraternity. "I first worked with Stavanger in 1993 for a three year period conducting them at several competitions," he told me. "They have a devoted interest for new musical projects and are always pushing the boundaries to reach a wider audience." But there is much more to the Band then what we see as the final product. "Stavanger have always had a fantastic group of people working behind the scenes; professional people who really make things happen," Garry told me. "Ulf-E Rosenberg for example is former Chairman of Stavanger Brass Band and now President of the European Brass Band Association." How appropriate then that these two organisations will converge when the European Brass Band Championships are held in Stavanger in spring 2008.

"It has always been the Band's policy to work with different conductors in order to broaden their approach," Garry proclaimed. This is certainly true; with Selmer Simonsen at the helm as Resident Conductor, Stavanger is also privileged to benefit under the expert guidance of Second Trumpet of the Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester; the Band's Professional Conductor, Allan Withington. But this is just the beginning of a long list of distinguished conductors to have directed the Band including Major Peter Parkes, James Gourlay and Edward Gregson to name but three.

Of course, having directors of such high musical calibre has its advantages. The Band has brought many internationally celebrated soloists to Stavanger including Michel Becquet and Christian Lindberg. Indeed, musical life in Stavanger is flourishing, with both its internationally renowned chamber music festival in mid August and its energetic jazz festival in early May.

I asked Svein Olav Simonsen what it is that makes Stavanger Brass Band something special. "One of the most impressive features of the Band's performances is its ability to play large sections and sometimes the entire programme from memory. This really liberates the musicians, allowing them to totally immerse themselves in engaging the audience. The Band's visual impact is something we are very proud of," he beamed! "Frank Renton initially suggested these concepts; he was a real inspiration to the Band. This was later furthered by Dr David King," he continued, "and more recently Allan Withington who, at the 2006 Siddis Brass Competition, presented the Band in chess formation complete with costumes and dance movements whilst still performing contemporary music from memory! It's a great way of introducing a sometimes apprehensive audience to contemporary music."

Stavanger Brass Band are also leading the way with the commissioning of new music. Often, the new works cross genres and involve composers and soloists not usually associated with the Brass Band outfit. "This is very important since it allows us to attract audiences who aren't necessarily au fait with brass band music," Svein reveals. In 2006 the Band premièred a new work for piano and brass band and also featured in the Maijazz Festival with a première performance of a work from the pen of the acclaimed Jazz/Electronica artist Bugge Wesseltoft. This continued in 2007 with another première, this time from the talented Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen for band, violin and electronic sound effects!

On to 2008; so what does Svein have up his sleeve to surpass what is already a pretty impressive accolade of achievement. "We intend to première a new work featuring organ with the Band. It is being written by the Norwegian trumpet player, composer and producer, Nils Petter Molvær and should be an interesting addition to next year's European Championships," he smiles!

Stavanger Brass Band have an extensive discography including the latest release ‘Awakening' featuring the music of the exuberant Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen; a unique recording and perfect testament to all the Band stands for.

Stavanger Brass Band have toured extensively over the past few years and with the momentum they continue to build, I very much look forward to hearing them in the UK again soon!