Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag has received a major financial boost ahead of its appearance at the National Championships in Bergen this weekend, to help support its educational, music outreach programmes and ongoing running costs.

The Siddis champion has received a three grant of 4.5million NOK (approx. £340,000) from Sparebanken Norge — Agenda Vestland, which has a long-established commitment to social responsibility in supporting sports and culture.

Their work, as well as that of other brass bands has been supported in the past by the bank, but this is understood to be the largest amount given.

Initiatives

Eikanger has run a number of long term educational initiatives, including its 'Feriespel' programme which last year saw over 100 youngsters take part, whilst in 2022 it contributed to research undertaken by the Norwegian Government aimed at developing a future national strategy for cultural volunteer working.

The savings bank, which is based in Bergen, but which also has 68 regional offices round Norway, recently announced that it would distribute 1.47 billion NOK (approx. £111 million) in customer dividends including what it calls 'social dividends' to support volunteer organisations, the shift to green energy and social inclusion.

Presentation

The presentation was made at a concert giving by the band at Bergen's Grieghallen where they performed both their Norwegian National Championship own-choice work, 'Dear Cassandra' and the set-work 'Concerto No. 1' by Derek Bourgeois.

Band Chairperson Frode Rydland, received the presentation cheque on stage at the concert, and later told 4BR: "The band's most important tools are quality, dedication and community, and by this collaboration we aim to initiate valuable meeting points and sustainable growth in banding communities all over Norway."