The welcome return of a live brass band concert in Bergen on the weekend also marked the return to elite level banding for soprano player Kjetil Morken who took his seat with Manger Musikklag Band in the internet broadcast initiative, some 23 years after he last played with the band as an official member.

National wins

Kjetil started his career with Manger in the Autumn of 1980, and left in 1997 after a 17 year spell which encapsulated many notable contest successes — including five National titles wins.

He has not been a complete stranger to the band in the intervening period, donning the famous black and green stage jacket on numerous occasions to help them out in concerts and events, but as he told 4BR: "It is quite hard to leave Manger Musikklag forever!"

Very happy

A band spokesperson added: "Everyone at Manger is very happy to have such an experienced player of Kjetil's calibre back in the band.

We would publicly like to thank Preben Johansen who leaves the soprano seat having been a great servant to the band both on and off the stage. We wish him the best of luck as he moves his focus away from playing and towards teaching and conducting."