Soprano star Steve Stewart has been enjoying brass band entertainment of a winning Nordic kind ahead of his appearance with the reigning Brass in Concert champion Cory in Gateshead next weekend.

Long trip

Steve made the long trip from his West Wales home to play with Stavanger, and helped them retain the SIDDIS Entertainment title — the Norwegian equivalent of the Brass in Concert event.

It was certainly an experience he thoroughly enjoyed – with a result that he hopes will also be repeated at The Sage next Sunday evening.

Wonderful bunch

"It was a real honour to be invited to play with Stavanger and Allan Withington," he told 4BR.

"They are wonderful bunch of people who made feel so welcome. The ethos about the way in which they work under Allan reminded me how things are done with Phil Harper and Cory – so I enjoyed the experience — and the end result!"

Friends old and new

Steve also enjoyed the social side of things, meeting up with many old friends and making new ones too.

"It was lovely to catch up with players from Eikanger and Manger and to spend time with them. I like the way in which after all the hard fought contesting they can relax together and enjoy themselves.

They are also great bands and together with Stavanger they are without doubt amongst the very best in the world."

The difference in approach to the entertainment format also intrigued the Scotsman.

"There is a great deal more made of themed programmes — even in the lower sections, and perhaps more thought behind what they want to portray though their music choices.

When I first heard from Allan about Stavanger’s ‘In the Court of Trevor IV’ programme I wondered what I had let myself in for — but the concept worked brilliantly."

Concepts

Now he’s looking forward to more interesting entertainment concepts with Cory — and in the process maybe retaining his own ‘Best Soloist’ and ’Best Soprano’ awards he won at last year’s contest.

"As always Philip Harper will bring something new and interesting to the contest — and if I can also help things along so that we can round the year off by retaining our title, that would be great too!"

When I first heard from Allan about Stavanger’s ‘In the Court of Trevor IV’ programme I wondered what I had let myself in for — but the concept worked brilliantlySteve Stewart

Adoo Trust

Meanwhile he also has been enjoying recording the Hummel ‘Trumpet Concerto’ in aid of the Clarence Adoo Trust with the Co-operative Funeralcare Band.

"That was a real honour too — especially as it was the premiere recording of the complete work arranged for brass band. To do that and for such a worthwhile cause and a great man was something I will always cherish."