*
banner

Dance moves for Engeset and Bjorsvik at Siddis

A quartet of very different dance moves will test the lips not hips of the experienced pairing of Bjarte Engeset and Bjorsvik Brass at the Siddis Entertainment contest in Stavanger this weekend.

Bjarte
  Bjarte Engeset will lead the dance moves with Bjorsvik Brass at the Siddis Entertainment contest in Stavanger

Bjorsvik Brass will be hitting the dance floor this weekend at the Siddis Entertainment contest in Stavanger.

Led for the first time by the renowned Norwegian conductor Bjarte Engeset (above), the band, which is made up of many former players from Eikanger Bjorsvik, will present a programme entitled, 'Danzon d'amour'.

Lips not hips

However, with some of the players not quite in the Shakira/John Travolta shape of their youth, the programme will consist of four dances of very different genres and styles that make demands on their lips and not their hips....

Star euphonium player Tormod Flaten told 4BR: "We are all looking forward to enjoying ourselves and dusting off the best dance moves from our younger days — even if we move a little more slowly than in years gone by."

Meanwhile, soprano player Frode Rydland added: "It's always great to work with such a brilliant conductor as Bjarte, and I'm sure he will inspire us all on a great programme of music."

Dance quartet

'Danzon d'amour' will consist of a quartet of four different pieces — starting with an arrangement of Anton Dvorak's, 'Slavonic Dance No 15', inspired by a Serbian Kolo dance, which features virtuoso leg work but with very little movement above in the upper body.

There will also be a little beautiful Schubert, a euphonium led trip to the Austrian Bierstube favourite 'Bariton Lechner' and a Cuban inspired finale in what promises to be a set of innovation and inspiration, as the MD Bjarte Engeset told 4BR.

"Since I started conducting, I have seen, with joy, the quest to bring original, captivating music to performances that embody a strong awareness of style,"he said.

"Such performances can energise and renew the communicative force in each work between the performer and the audience.

So even though all four pieces we present in Stavanger could be labelled as dances, I think it challenge us to find four very different and very particular styles — from Schubert and Dvorak to the Oberkrainer Music of 'Bariton Lechner', which I have to say is new to me, but great fun."

However, with some of the players not quite in the Shakira/John Travolta shape of their youth, the programme will consist of four dances of very different genres and styles that make demands on their lips and not their hips...4BR

Relishing

He added: "The 'Danzon No. 2' by the Mexican composer Arturo Marquez to finish is a wonderful challenge, but one the players are relishing.

I hope everyone enjoys themselves and is inspired to dance a little with our programme — even if it is in their seats in the hall to start with!"

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    


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Cheltenham

Runners and riders confirmed for Cheltenham

September 10 • The official list of competing bands and their conductors for the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals has been released by Kapitol Promotions.


Linz

European Soloist Competition open for entries

September 10 • If you want to be crowned the 10th European Solo Champion then you need to submit a video entry to be considered for the trip to Linz in 2026.


Youth Champs

Registration now open for Youth Championships

September 10 • If you are a band or ensemble wishing to take part in a fantastic day of music making in Birmingham next year, then sign up now.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd