Manger Musikklag has given the Norwegian premiere of 'Dark Arteries' at the prestigious BrassWind Festival for contemporary music.

The brass band score of Gavin Higgins' ballet work was conducted by Peter S. Szilvay to widespread critical acclaim and a standing ovation from the audience.

Proud

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: "Everyone associated with Manger Musikklag is thrilled to see exciting music such as 'Dark Arteries' emerge from the UK, and we are proud to have been able to give premiere performances in Norway over the last few years."

They added: "`Dark Arteries' hit home with the band and the audience alike and made a huge impression. We really enjoyed working with Gavin and his enthralling piece, and we hope to get the opportunity to do so again in the future."

Delighted

Gavin Higgins was equally delighted at the reception his work gained on its Norwegian premiere: "I was thrilled to hear Manger Musiklaag perform 'Dark Arteries' so brilliantly at the BrassWind Festival.

This was my first experience of working with a Norwegian band and it was inspiring."

I was thrilled to hear Manger Musiklaag perform 'Dark Arteries' so brilliantly at the BrassWind Festival. This was my first experience of working with a Norwegian band and it was inspiringGavin Higgins

Open minded

He added: "Manger and Peter really understand my music and they gave a wonderfully nuanced performance of the piece. The percussion section at the opening of the second movement was the most convincing I've heard it played.

I hope that one day bands in the UK will adopt the open minded approach to music making bands like Manger embrace. I can't wait to work with them again."