Stavanger Brass Band has announced the appointment of Espen Westbye as Resident Conductor for the 2027/28 season, where he will work alongside Musical Director, David Morton.

Return

It sees the hugely respected musician return to the band where he first made his name as an outstanding player over 20 years ago, before developing an equally impressive professional career as freelance performer, composer, arranger and conductor.

With a background in jazz studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music and Rogaland Music Conservatory, he has worked across a broad range of musical genres, collaborating with ensembles including Stavanger Symphony Orchestra and Trondheim Jazz Orchestra.

Siddis

His creative work has also featured prominently in recent projects with Stavanger — including Siddis Brass, where in 2025 he conducted an original programme of his own creation. The appointment will see him once lead a programme that he has devised at the forthcoming event on 7th November.

Seeking to 4BR about the appointment, Band Chairperson Anders Rydberg said: "There is something particularly special about welcoming back someone who joined us as a young musician and has since developed into such a versatile musical personality.

Espen knows the band inside out, understands our traditions and shares our ambitions. His creativity, energy and musical imagination make him an exciting addition to our artistic team."

Welcome

That welcome was echoed by Musical Director David Morton, who added: "I'm really looking forward to working alongside Espen. His musical background gives him a unique perspective, and I believe our different musical experiences will complement each other very well.

We share the ambition to challenge and inspire the musicians, continue developing the ensemble and create memorable musical experiences."

Very special

In response, Espen added: "Stavanger Band has been an important part of my musical life ever since I joined in 2002. Returning in this new role feels very special, and our recent Siddis Brass collaborations showed their enormous potential.

I'm excited about working alongside David, respecting the band's proud traditions while exploring new musical ideas."

Stavanger Band has been an important part of my musical life ever since I joined in 2002. Returning in this new role feels very special, and our recent Siddis Brass collaborations showed their enormous potentialEspen Westbye

Thanks

The appointment follows the successful tenure of Emil Bjørklund, who concludes his role as Resident Conductor at the end of the 2026/2027 season.

Anders Rydberg added: "We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Emil for his tireless dedication and highly valued contribution.

His particular commitment to the classical brass band repertoire has strengthened the band's musical foundations, while his leadership has helped members grow both as musicians and as individuals.

He has left a lasting impression with his knowledge, dedication and genuine care for our musicians. We are immensely grateful for everything he has contributed."