Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag recently paid tribute to one of the most influential figures in its musical history in a special concert weekend in honour of Howard Snell.

It not only looked forward to his forthcoming 90th birthday celebrations (on 21st September), but also marked the 40th anniversary of their first association together.

Friendship and inspiration

That took place in 1986 and was to become one that over the next five decades was marked by musical friendship and inspiration.

Not only did it see the band enhance its already substantive artistic reputation, but also saw them reach new heights on the contest stage as under his direction they claimed two European Championships as well as National and Siddis titles.

Honoured

Talking about the visit Howard made from his home in France with his daughter for what was a memorable occasion, former Band Manager and player Viggo Bjørge told 4BR: "Ever since that first visit in Autumn 1986 we have been honoured to welcome and work with Howard Snell.

The superlatives as a man and a musician do not do him justice — and what he has done for Eikanger has simply been enormous.

This of course has been reflected in contest successes, but it has been the development of his musical ethos with a focus on concert performance, repertoire development, recordings, youth work, recruitment and always playing with musical purpose that has become central to what Eikanger does."

He added: "Quality is the expectation in everything we now undertake. It is a quite remarkable legacy that he gifted us."

Concert and dinner

During the visit Howard Snell took the band in rehearsal in preparation for conducting three favourite works of his at the special concert in Bergen on the Sunday evening.

On the Saturday, he was delighted to be joined by over 70 guests for a special celebratory dinner in his honour.

Quality is the expectation in everything we now undertake. It is a quite remarkable legacy that he gifted usEikanger Band

Wonderful evening

Viggo added: "That was a wonderful evening — the sense of respect, admiration and love for him was immense. The thanks stood out — from those who played under him, worked alongside him or simply admired him ever since that first visit way back in 1986.

It was also fitting that the concert in Asane Kulturhus featured the Hordaland Youth Brass Band, conducted by Torstein Holmas, which Eikanger is proud to support, and which Howard later remarked further showed that the foundation for future Eikanger success was based on the ability to lead with passion and vision."