*
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    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd