The 2020 Norwegian National champion Stavanger has announced the appointment of Russell Gray as their new Associate Conductor.

It sees a welcome return to the band for the Scotsman after he conducted them to the National title in 2006.

Thrilled

Chairman of the board, Anders Rydberg told 4BR: "We're thrilled to welcome Russell back as he is taking the big step of moving to Norway and becoming a part of our team once again.

He is a huge musical resource for us in our development working alongside our Chief Conductor Allan Withington. Stavanger Brass Band is looking forward to an important season with a number of projects and representing Norway at the 2021 European Championships in Malmö.

Exciting new era

Ander added: "Russell's expertise and musicality are of the highest level, and we look forward to working and developing the band with him. Together with Allan we are looking at an exciting new era for the band."

Talking about the appointment, Allan told 4BR: "This is a great opportunity for the band to work with a person of such musical experience and form a team to continue to develop our musical adventures.

Stavanger has a rich musical heritage and a huge appetite for future musical exploration. I'm really looking forward to working with Russell."

Making the move makes things easier for me with work, post Coronavirus, and linking up with Allan also opens up so many more exciting musical possibilitiesRussell Gray

Progressive outlook

In response Russell told 4BR: "I'm very happy to be renewing my connection with the band and have a long connection stretching back to 1998 when I lived in the city and of course when we won the Norwegian National title together in 2006.

Making the move makes things easier for me with work, post Coronavirus, and linking up with Allan also opens up so many more exciting musical possibilities.

Stavanger is band with such a progressive outlook and I can't wait to start working with them as soon as possible."