Oslo Brass has announced the signing of Frode Amundsen as their Musical Director for a three year period starting in August 2010.

Successful collaboration

This new contract is a continuation of a very successful collaboration that started in January of 2007. Since that time Oslo Brass has stamped its mark on the Norwegian band scene with impressive contesting results, including coming runner up at the Norwegian Brass Band Championships in February this year.

Respected

Initially set up as a project band, they are now regarded as one of the most respected ensembles of its kind in Norway.

Spokesperson Clare Farr told 4BR: "As Principal Tuba of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and with his wide banding experience, Amundsen is well qualified to lead Oslo Brass in its future ventures."

As Principal Tuba of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and with his wide banding experience, Amundsen is well qualified to lead Oslo Brass in its future venturesOslo Brass

New Seid

The first of these ventures will be the Norwegian National Championships in February, where the band have commissioned a new version of Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen's, fearsome test piece, 'Seid', originally written for the 1996 European Championships held in Bergen.

The new version includes two possible endings — retaining either the original 1996 quiet 'epilogue' conclusion, or a new 'Seid' — 'Version B', which satisfies the request for a powerful ending. Oslo Brass Band are hoping to record the 'Seid' — 'Version B' in the near future.