There were echoes of Manger Musikklag's 2010 victory at the Norwegian National Championships as they ended a 15 year wait to once again celebrate at Bergen's Grieghallen with the imposing Elite Division trophy.

As then it also came with the added bonus of the King's Cup presented on behalf of the country's monarch, as well as an invitation to represent the nation at the European Championships — this time in Linz in 2026.

Style and substance

On this occasion Allan Withington led a hugely impressive ensemble to a ninth title triumph and his fifth (and second with the band) with a superbly crafted rendition of the set-work, 'Catharsis' by Kjetil Djonne and fabulously stylish account of their own-choice of 'Gabrieli Fantasy' by Bert Appermont.

To add to the celebrations, their outstanding principal cornet William Grov Skramsett took the 'Best Soloist' award.

The wafer-thin margin of victory over defending champion Eikanger Bjorsvik also brought back memories of that nail biting 2010 success — one they had then waited eight years for.

In the end it was the same as that all important half point average, although in retrospect this percentage point margin was significantly wider than it looked in print on the big screen in the hall.

It also mattered little either to the trio of Manger representatives who stood proudly with the trophy thanking supporters and taking congratulations from rivals. They were a richly deserved champion.

Celebrations

The celebrations began almost as soon as their name was announced and carried long into the Bergen night and beyond.

A couple of days later the imposing National Trophy was brought to the band headquarters to sit proudly in place as they reflected on the victory, and the accompanying press coverage and local political acclaim that came in its wake.

"It takes some time to come back to earth after such an experience," they said on their Facebook page. "There are so many thanks to give after the weekend — first and foremost to Artistic Director Allan Withington. His attention to detail and to the music was so focussed all the way. We are eternally grateful to Allan and want to say thank you very much for all the hours put in the last few weeks."

His input also rolled back the years — a conductor renewed and revitalised by his return to the band he first took to victory in 2002.

1 point penalty

Few quibbles from their rivals either, although it later transpired that Eikanger's choice of '*****, Concerto No. 10 for Brass Band and Ondes Martenot' was submitted to the contest organisers in September allegedly without details of why it was over the prescribed 20-minute limit — the result of which (an oversight or misunderstanding depending on who you spoke to) was that it carried a 1-point penalty into the contest.

Bands in all sections can play works over prescribed limits if detailed explanations are given, which 4BR was informed did happen elsewhere.

Thankfully it did not matter come the announcement of the results — the average point system meaning that even if with 99 points for their startling performance of the Ludovic Neurohr work, the defending champion led by Florent Didier would still have come second. Manger's higher points on the set-work took precedence.

It was one heck of a title defence though aided by their superb 'Best Section' tubas on the own choice. If repeated at the Euros in a few months' time it will take some beating.

Behind them came the third of the 'anger' bands who have dominated this event since its inception in 1979, as Stavanger produced a brace of musically engrossing accounts (especially their own-choice 'So Spoke Albion') under Ivan Meylemans, which were just pockmarked by individual fragilities.

Cohesion and development

Speaking to members of both sets of adjudicators 4BR was informed that it was "the superb sense of musical cohesion and development", that stood out on the set-work from Manger (the judges were Chris King, Ingunn Korsgard Hagen and Sven Olsrud), whilst in what were described as "so many outstanding performances", it was the combination of "technical brilliance and musical insight" that gave Eikanger the nod on the own-choice.

Although the top-three were a significant margin ahead, there was much to savour from the other contenders, with Bjorsvik Brass getting the nod ahead of Oslofjord and Kleppe to come fourth.

Fascinating

It was fascinating to hear (as well as watch) the approaches of their MDs in action over the twin disciplines; the cool reserve of Andreas Hanson against the electrifying Peter Szilvay and the passionate Tormod Flaten.

Each inspired outstanding as well as slightly uneven playing from their charges — Bjorsvik's mature set-work considerations balanced by tiredness on 'Partita'; Oslofjord's dramatic impulses (right from the word go) more suited to 'Journey of the Lone Wolf' than 'Catharsis', whilst Kleppe's youthful brilliance on the set-work was tempered by nervousness on 'A Brussels Requiem'.

Behind them, Brottum continued to show the substance of their Elite credentials under David Morton to finish ahead of a slightly misfiring Tertnes, Oslo and Ila. Once again, consistency played its part over the two-legs with few complaints about their end results.

Few too about the substance and acclaim deserved by the new champion. 15 years was a long time to wait for Manger — but it was all well worth their patience.

First Division:

An engaging First Division contest of substance and ambition was won in inspired fashion by Jaren Hornmusikkforening.

Their thrilling 'Audivi Media Nocte' was every bit as towering as the figure of Dutch conductor Erik Janssen at the helm who drew a performance rich in character and technical excellence from his ensemble and especially its soloists (winning the 'Best Soloist' and 'Best Section' accolades) to secure the honours by a clear two-point margin.

It was playing that would not have been out of place in the Elite Division (which they will now be promoted to) as they secured their first title success since 2011.

Reflecting on their success on their Facebook page they said: "We are proud of the hard work that has been put in to gain victory in the First Division and promotion to the Elite Division for 2026.

Thanks so much to our fantastic maestro Erik Janssen whose dedication, musicality, humour and super inspiring work has given us such a ride! Thanks for believing in every single one of us and for lifting our team to new heights."

High quality rivals

There were high quality own-choice performances to repel from their podium finishing rivals, both led by overseas MDs in Glenn van Looy with Musikkorpset Gjallarhorn's dramatic 'Afterlife', and Ian Porthouse with Rong's cultured 'Antiphones on Themes by William Byrd'.

Behind them, a boldly portrayed 'Hypercube' gave Molde Brass fourth, ahead of Askoy's stylish 'Fenring Dances' and the dark evocations of 'Myth Forest' played by Krohnengen.

The overall standard from the twelve contenders was impressive, even if at times the delivery got a little frenetic in pursuit of excitement. The best though once again showed the depth of substance on the cusp of elite level Norwegian banding.

Second Division:

The event's collective sense of musical ambition was certainly on show in the Second Division — won by Flesland Musikklag's character packed rendition of 'Red Priest'.

MD Margie Antrobus combined the chilly air of Venice with the warm beauty of Vivaldi's music in fine fashion to secure a first National title success since 2016 and further confirm their own collective progress since taking the baton in 2021. They will not be out of place in the First Division.

Interesting repertoire

Just behind in a contest packed with interesting repertoire choices came Tysnes Musikklag led by the experienced Yngve Nikolaisen. They came close to claiming a first title at this level with a musically shaped 'Essence of Time', whilst the final podium place went to Trondheim Brassband, as Reid Gilje drew a colourful rendition on 'Sinfonietta No. 5'.

The top-six was completed with engaging accounts of 'Hope' by Dorothy Gates from Sola Brass, the intriguingly titled and inventively scored 'The Impermanence of the Flow' by Yvan Lagger, played by Gjesdal Brass (their inventive 'Best Soloist' flugel player at one point playing into a timpani), and Philip Harper's 'St James's — A New Beginning' given by Sorum Musikklag.

Third Division:

Although the smaller Peer Gynt Hall offers a different performance experience, the quality of the playing in the Second Division made for great listening for the supportive audience.

Bergen Brass Band's thrilling rendition of 'Flashback' led by Thor-Arne Pedersen (aided by their 'Best Soloist' soprano player) was a deserving winner — and a repeat of their 2020 victory here on the same work.

It proved good enough to pip rivals Tromso Brass as they continued their upwardly mobile progress (with their 'Best Section' cornet team) under Vidar Alvestad in coming runner-up on 'St James's — A New Beginning'. The final podium spot went to 2023 champion Bjorvika Brass led by Maria Molund who showed their ambition by tackling Derek Bourgeois' 'Blitz'.

Just behind came the top-six finishers of Stavanger Kommunes Korps, Manger Old Star Brass and Sagvag Musikklag.

Fourth Division:

There was also a repeat 2020 success for Moen Musikkforening, as led by Ole Kristian Egge they narrowly pipped Kjolsdalen Musikklag by half a point — both bands playing Simon Dobson's 'A Brief Symphony of Time' for the judges Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen and Ingunn Korsgard Hagen to compare and contrast.

Third place went to last year's Fifth Division champion Evanger Musikklag's 'Variations on Laudate Dominum', with the remaining top-six places taken by Heroy Brass, Rosendal Musikklag and Laksevag Musikkforening.

Fifth Division:

Hetlevik Musikklag's name was written into the Norwegian National Championships record books for the first time as they claimed victory in the Fifth Division — and off the number 1 draw.

Their performance of 'Centennium' written by conductor Fredrick Schjelderup secured the title by a point from former champion Randaberg Musikkorps playing another new work in 'Whispers of Forgotten Tales' by Jacob Vilhelm Larsen. Just behind was Skeie Brass conducted by Nigel Fielding (who also played for three bands on the weekend) with 'A Celtic Suite'.

The top-six places were completed by Eikelandsfjorden Musikklag, Seim Musikklag and Brumunddal Brass.

Challenges

Although the organising national NMF body continues to provide an exemplary blueprint event in Bergen, it is not without its challenges. For instance, this year there was a great deal of debate over the rather opaque 'sickness' rules as well as the timings of test-pieces.

And whilst competing numbers remain stable and the gender spilt remains encouraging, the age demographic (on anecdotal evidence only it must be said) of performers seems to be rising, as 4BR was told that bands are finding it more difficult to persuade young players to maintain their initial educational interest in their hobby.

For all that though, Norwegian banding continues to move forward with confidence in its abilities — with their title winning bands once again showing just why.

Iwan Fox

In the end it was the same as that all important half point average, although in retrospect this percentage point margin was significantly wider than it looked in print on the big screen in the hall4BR

Result:

Elite Division:

Set Work: Catharsis (Kjetil Djonne)
Adjudicators:
Set Work: Chris King, Ingunn Korsgard Hagen, Sverre Olsrud
Own Choice: Anne Crookston, Halldis Ronning, Tom Davoren

1. Manger Musikklag (Allan Withington): 97.5/98.5 = 98.00
2. Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag (Florent Didier): 97/99* = 97.50
3. Stavanger Brass Band (Ivan Meylemans): 95/95 = 95.00
4. Bjorsvik Brass (Andreas Hanson): 93/92 = 92.50
5. Oslofjord Brass (Peter Szilvay): 91/93 = 92.00
6. Kleppe Musikklag (Tormod Flaten): 92/90 = 91.00
7. Brottum Brass (David Morton): 92.5/87 = 89.75**
8. Tertnes Brass (Paul Holland): 89/90.5 = 89.75
9. Oslo Brass Band (Sebastian Haukas): 87/91 = 89.00
10. Ila Brass Band (Stig Maersk): 88/88 = 88.00

*1 point deduction. Own choice work exceeded 20-minute limit on submission to the contest.

**Set work mark takes precedence

Solo Prize: Solo cornet of Manger Musikklag
Section Prize: Tubas of Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag

First Division:

Adjudicators: Sverre Olsrud, Chris King, Nils Erik Maseidvag

1. Jaren Hornmusikkforening (Erik Janssen): 98
2. Musikkorpset Gjallarhorn (Glenn Van Looy): 96
3. Rong Brass (Ian Porthouse): 94
4. Molde Brass Band (Frode Amundsen): 93
5. Askøy Brass Band (Svein H. Giske): 92
6. Krohnengen Brass Band (Magnus Brandseth): 91
7. Tomra Brass Band (Frans Violet): 89
8. Sandefjord Brass Symposium (Trond Husebo): 88
9. Radoy Brass (Jacob Vilhelm Larsen): 86
10. Orskog Brass (Stijn Berbe): 85
11. Hasle Brass (Kai Grinde Myrann): 84
12. Folleso Musikklag (Christian Pettersen Breistein): 83

Solo Prize: Cornet of Jaren Hornmusikkforening
Section Prize: Tubas of Jaren Hornmusikkforening

Second Division:

Adjudicators: Anne Crookston, Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen

1. Flesland Musikklag (Margaret Sutherland Antrobus): 95
2. Tysnes Musikklag (Yngve Nikolaisen): 94
3. Trondheim Brassband (Reid Gilje): 93
4. Sola Brass Band (Gwyn Evans): 92
5. Gjesdal Brass Band (Russell Gray): 91
6. Sorum Musikklag (Philip Hannevik): 90
7. Agder Brass (Philip Hannevik): 89
8. Stangaland Brass (Melvin White): 88
9. Haukas Musikklag (Jannicke Eide Ellingsen): 87
10. Jolster Musikklag (Bjorn Breistein): 86
11. Oster Brass (Patrick Randfalk): 85
12. Fjell Brass Band (Joseph Cook): 84
13. Lindas Brass (Ben Hirons): 83

Solo Prize: Flugel of Gjesdal Brass Band
Section Prize: Percussion of Jolster Musikklag

Third Division:

Adjudicators: Tom Davoren, Nils Erik Maseidvag

1. Bergen Brass Band (Thor-Arne Pedersen): 96
2. Tromso Brass (Vidar Alvestad): 95
3. Bjorvika Brass Band (Maria Molund): 94
4. Stavanger Kommunes Korps (Morten Ovrebekk): 92.50
5. Manger Old Star Brass (Patrick Randefalk): 92
6. Sagvag Musikklag (Sean Conway): 89
7. Gjovik ByBrass (Morten Fagerjord): 88
8. Krohnengen Old Stars (KOS) (Oyvind Nikolaisen): 87.50
9. Nes Musikkforening (Thorbjorn Lunde): 87
10. Riska Brass Band (Arne Stian Aarrestad): 86
11. Alexander Brassband (Gwyn M Evans): 85
12. Haugaland Brass Band (Paul Hughes): 83
13. Lyshornet Brass (Torstein Avar Sollien): 82
14. Skui Brassband (Rune Furoy Johansen): 81
15. Tertnes Amatorkorps (Thorgeir Thunestvedt): 80

Solo prize: Soprano of Bergen Brass Band
Section Prize: Cornets of Tromso Brass Band

Fourth Division:

Adjudicators: Ingunn Korsgard Hagen, Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen

1. Moen Musikkforening (Ole Kristian Egge): 95.50
2. Kjolsdalen Musikklag (Arvid Anthun): 95
3. Evanger Musikklag (Eirik Gjerdevik): 94
4. Heroy Brass (Frode Dalhaug): 93
5. Rosendal Musikklag (Yngve Nikolaisen): 92
6. Laksevag Musikkforening (Margaret Sutherland Antrobus): 91
7. Saksumdal Musikkforening (Andreas Halla): 90
8. Grenland Brass (David Lyngvaer Erichsen): 89
9. Flora-Bremanger Brassband (Philip Goodwin): 88
10. Fla Musikkorps (Ingrid Oien): 87
11. Jonsvatnet Brass (Gerard Rooker): 86
12. Imi Brass (Halvor Gaard): 85
13. Valdres Brass Band (Tor Arthur Hagen): 84
14. Filadelfia Hornorkester Drammen (Knut Esten Stendal): 83.50
15. Holmestrand Brass (Nils Andreas Grosas Granseth): 83

Solo Prize: Euphonium of Evanger Musikklag
Section Prize: Horns of Laksevag Musikkforening

Fifth Division:

Adjudicators: Trond Madsen, Halldis Ronning

1. Hetlevik Musikklag (Fredrick Schjelderup): 95
2. Randaberg Musikkorps (Espen Westbye): 94
3. Skeie Brass (Nigel Fielding): 92
4. Eikelandsfjorden Musikklag (Oddvar Nostdal): 91
5. Seim Musikklag (Torstein Tommermo Holmas): 90
6. Brumunddal Brass (Erling Johan Myrseth): 89
7. Torpa BygdeBrass (Jon Kristian Solberg): 88
8. Frei Hornmusikk (Randi Anita Dale): 87
9. Autevoll Brass (Inge Starheim Ytrehus): 86
10. Norheimsund Musikklag (Viljar Bjorsvik Rath): 85
11. Lalm Musikkforening (Herbertus Huijs): 84
12. Langhus Brass (Thomas W. Tengelsen): 83
13. Lismarka/Mesnali Brass (Andres Halla): 82
14. Haus Musikklag (Stefan Cooper): 81
15. Floro Hornmusikk (Torgeir Halvorsen): 80

Solo Prize: Euphonium of Frei Hornmusikk
Section Prize: Tubas of Skeie Brass