*
banner

Norwegian plankers...

There is a new brass phenomenon heading our way — thanks to some plankers in Norway...

planking
 

It seems that a new craze is sweeping the orchestral world – and it could only be a matter of time before it’s seen on a brass band concert stage in the UK.

Planking

'Planking' – the spontaneous decision of people to lie face down, head first against each other is catching on – as the picture opposite from a recent concert by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Bergen shows.

The trumpet section, which comprises Gary Peterson, Martin Winter, Allan Withington and Jon Benhcke decided to leave their seats just before the start of Prokofiev's ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for their display of ‘planking’.

The ‘game’ phenomenon, which originated in Australia, sees participants take the decision to lie in an unusual or incongruous location and then to be photographed4BR

Phenomenon

The ‘game’ phenomenon, which originated in Australia, sees participants take the decision to lie in an unusual or incongruous location and then to be photographed. The location should also be as public as possible, and as many people as possible should be involved.

Amusement

On this occasion the player’s plonked their trumpets on their seats, walked to the front of the Grieg Hall stage and proceeded to indulge in their ‘planking’, much to the amusement of the packed audience.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "As befits the Norwegians, we believe it to be the first classical bit of planking ever performed."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd