*
banner

Old Swede to lead geriatric march down Appian Way

A musical partnership of ageless talent and experience will try to roll back the years to claim the Siddis Entertainment title in Stavanger on the weekend.

Andreas Hanson
  Andreas Hanson and the players of Bjorsvik Brass will be rolling back the years in Stavanger this weekend.

The celebrated Swedish conductor Andreas Hanson will lead Bjorsvik Brass at the forthcoming Siddis Championship in Stavanger, with the self-proclaimed 'geriatric' performers looking to try and to win the premier Norwegian entertainment title for the first time.

It will also mark the debut for the partnership at the event, with both telling 4BR that they are looking forward to locking horns with younger Elite Division rivals

Thrill

"It's a genuine thrill to get to conduct this band,"Andreas told 4BR after leading the band through another late night rehearsal. "There is so much experience in one room. Golden oldies are playing 'golden oldies'."

Due to the Bjorsvik players finding their work/personal/banding life balances changing as they grew older, they now fit in rehearsals at times when younger players are heading to the bright lights of Nordic night life.

Eikanger geriatrics

Euphonium star Tormod Flaten told 4BR: "We call ourselves the Eikanger geriatrics as we all now have busy family lives and professional work schedules to put first, so the only time we can all get together is late on a Sunday night at someone else's bandroom.

We still have the contest bug though as most of us played with Eikanger in the past, so when it's Siddis time, the years roll back and its showtime. Those youngsters better look out!"

Circus horses

Soprano player Frode Rydland agreed: "Some of us have less hair nowadays, but we have an old saying in Norway: 'When the circus horse smells sawdust, it gets excited'. We are the old circus horses!"

The players are thoroughly enjoying themselves under their Swedish conductor, especially as they are playing music they enjoy, and which they believe still cannot be beaten.

Andreas Hanson is a brilliant conductor and understands our musical mission with Bjorsvik. Musical enjoyment comes first, so it's great to be able to play pieces that not many bands play anymoreTormod Flaten

Brilliant musician

Tormod Flaten added: "Andreas Hanson is a brilliant conductor and understands our musical mission with Bjorsvik. Musical enjoyment comes first, so it's great to be able to play pieces that not many bands play anymore."

And just to prove the point Tormod revealed the band's Siddis programme. "We will be playing 'Le Carnival Romain' and Piazzola's 'La Muerte del Angel', with our great solo trombone player Grethe Tonheim, who is making her debut, performing 'The Moon's a Harsh Mistress'.

It was originally made famous by Norwegian jazz singer Radka Toneff and has been specially arranged for Grethe by Reid Gilje."

Last breath

He concluded: "And if we haven't run out of breath and our old lungs can still manage it, we will finish off with the last movement of 'Pines of Rome'!"

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    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd