Norwegian champion Eikanger-Bjørsvik will round off its 2022/23 banding season with a special concert in its home city of Bergen this weekend.

The Norwegian's plan their musical year slightly differently to the UK to enable them to focus on welcoming new signings and planning annual projects, as well as organising the logistics for appearances at Siddis, the Norwegian National and European Championship alongside additional ventures such as their appearance at Brass in Concert in November.

The concert is entitled 'Classic Brass' and will take place at The Grand Assembly Hall in Bergen on Sunday 4th June (4.00pm) under the baton of guest conductor Christian Kluxen (above).

Dynamic

He is regarded as one of the most exciting conducting talents to emerge from Scandinavia in recent years — described as "a dynamic, charismatic figure"who has produced a series of critically acclaimed performances in his tenures as conductor of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra and the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra.

The partnership with Eikanger is one that has been a longer time in the making than expected for the band — and builds on its reputation for reaching out into the orchestral world to work with leading conductors such as Ingar Bergby and Barte Engeset.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We had planned to work with Christian Kluxen two years ago, but Covid-19 stopped it. We are delighted that we have been able to fit into his busy international schedule for this concert which will round off what has been a memorable season."

He is regarded as one of the most exciting conducting talents to emerge from Scandinavia in recent years — described as "a dynamic, charismatic figure"4BR

Next generation

The conductor has already enjoyed rehearsing with the band which was prepared on the featured repertoire of Elgar's 'Enigma Variations', 'Mars' and 'Jupiter' from Holst's 'The Planets', and Stravinsky's 'The Firebird' by resident conductor Reid Gilje.

Before they take their Summer break the band will also host the second part of their popular 'sit-in' initiative with players from eight local schools in the Hordaland area.

The spokesperson added: "Their national championship event is coming up soon so this is a great way for the band to offer practical motivation and inspiration to the players."

Image credit: Emilia Staugaard