4BR has been informed that due to Peter S. Szilvay’s unavailability, World Champion Manger Musikklag will be conducted at the Norwegian National Championships in Bergen next year by Philip Harper.

Elite debut

It will be the Cory MD’s first conducting appearance in the Elite Section of the contest, and as Band Chairman Nils-Arne Traeland exclusively told 4BR, Manger is looking forward to teaming up the European Championship winning conductor.

"We are very happy to have come to an agreement with Philip Harper for the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen in 2014," he said.

"Manger Musikklag is always aiming to work with conductors of the highest calibre, and Philip’s impressive achievements are testament to that. We are really looking forward to working with him, and we believe that the new combination will give the audience in Bergen plenty of wonderful musical experiences."

Excited

Meanwhile, Philip is also excited about the forthcoming Nordic partnership: "I'm also looking forward to working with Manger and Martin Winter for the contest.

Having been at the Norwegian Nationals as a judge for the last couple of years it will be a great experience to work with one of the top bands in the world in an attempt to win the title."

I've long been an admirer of Manger and their fresh and energetic approach to music making – and I've certainly had firsthand experience of hearing some incredible performances from them over the last few yearsPhilip Harper

Admirer

He added: "I've long been an admirer of Manger and their fresh and energetic approach to music making – and I've certainly had firsthand experience of hearing some incredible performances from them over the last few years.

It was especially rewarding to meet many of the band's players in Holland this year at the World Music Competition, at which Manger of course became World Champion.

Moreover, there seems to be a very professional attitude in the way the band is run, which is, I believe, vital to the success of any ambitious organisation."

Special

He concluded: "The atmosphere of the Norwegian National is something special too. Everyone seems very positive in their approach to the competition, and very supportive of their rivals.

The audience doesn't mind a contemporary test-piece and the bands clearly relish the musical challenge, so my expectations are very high."