*
banner

Chanel inspires artistic success for Manger

Allan Withington's latest collaboration production has gained widespread critical acclaim after its premiere in Bergen.

Chanel
  The narrative of the story was led by a brace of parodied Swiss bankers

Allan Withington's theatrical production inspired by the life of fashion icon Coco Chanel has gained widespread critical acclaim following its premiere at the prestigious Festspillene Bergen.

'Nr 5 — A Story about Coco Chanel' received a rapturous reception at the Fana Kulturhus, with the MD leading Manger Musikklag in accompanying the narrative storyline led by a brace of mannequinesque Swiss bankers (above) and dancers from the Langhaugen Danselinje.

Vital collaboration

Played out in 17 snapshot episodes that mixed historical fact, urban myth and modern day allegory, it was an engrossing portrait of a very public woman, who ever full of contradictions, identified herself as something of a private invention.

Speaking on behalf of the band Sondre J. C. Kvamme told 4BR that the production was a vital collaborative step towards bringing brass bands to a new audience.

"It was a story that could only be brought to life by someone like Allan, who has the imagination and inventiveness to look beyond what others would see as limitations.

We were thrilled to have played our part and delighted at the response. It was so good to see such a diverse audience at the festival premiere."

350 children

Earlier in the week the production was showcased for 350 children, with Allan telling 4BR. "That was a great thrill. The eagerness and the enthusiasm shown in understanding the story of Coco Chanel was obvious and pleasing.

That tells you so much about how collaborating with different art forms can expand musical horizons — and it was further enhanced with the performance at the Fana Kulturhus. I'm delighted that the Festspillene Bergen, one of the leading arts festivals in Europe programmed and supported it.

I hope that the critical and popular interest will enable it to be featured at festivals of different kinds across the world."

It was a story that could only be brought to life by someone like Allan, who has the imagination and inventiveness to look beyond what others would see as limitationsManger Musikklag

Fuel desire

For Manger the acclaim has also fuelled a desire to explore other artistic boundaries with their MD, as Sondre added: "New music and new ideas are so important. Every year we arrange a contemporary music festival called 'BrassWind', with a specific focus on new music for both brass and wind bands.

We wish to challenge composers and musicians to explore the avenues that Allan has once again opened up as it strengthens the importance of brass banding in Norway and beyond."

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    


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Lewis Barton

Barton broadcast launches NXTOD series

September 26 • A new series rom NXTOD films will start with a showcase of the recital talents of rising star Lewis Barton.


Oldroyd

Oldroyd EVO continues to make its mark on performers

September 26 • The maker says it is attracting interest and customers for instruments with incredible potential.


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


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd