European Gala Concert

Yorkshire Building Society: Dr. David King
Stavanger Brass Band: Selmer Simonsen
Martin Winter: Trumpet
Oystein Baadsvik: tuba
Christine Guldbrandsen: vocalist

Greig Hall, Bergen, Norway
Saturday 3rd May 2003

For those brass band aficionados attending the European Championships in Norway, who had frequented all the events that week and were still able to absorb even more band music, the effort was well worth it for this Gala Concert.

The first half was given over exclusively to the reigning Champions, Yorkshire Building Society, under the meticulous baton of Dr. David King. They opened up with a very brisk rendition of the Prelude to the Holberg Suite, which was an acknowledgement of the host country's most famous musical export and his association with Bergen and it's fantastic Concert venue. This Hall, according to DK was among one of the best that the band had ever performed in. It was evident from the out-set, that this was not a Band going through the motions of performing just another job and they were enjoying the last few hours of their title of Champions of Europe. Little did any of us know what historical feat was to come later!

Following this, Dr. King took time to explain to the audience that the Band's success was very much as a result of the wonderful support, given by their sponsors at YBS. I'm sure that they will have been very pleased with their musical ambassadors that evening.

Next up, was a Trumpet feature from the pen of John Williams – "Born on the Fourth of July", which showcased the playing of Ben Godfrey. Anyone who had heard him play the flugel Solo in Concerto Grosso that afternoon, would know that this is an extremely versatile and talented performer and he didn't disappoint on the evening either. Playing from memory, his tone was warm and lyrical and this was complimented by some fine accompaniment from the Band.

The main course for this musical feast was to follow and was the World Premiere of Derek Bourgeois' "Apocalypse", which has just been recorded by the Band on CD, featuring the composer's main works for brass band. The Conductor spoke warmly of Bourgeois' contribution to the movement's repertoire and added that this work was undoubtedly one of the hardest that he and the Band had ever worked on.
What followed, were what must have been about 16 minutes of sheer agony for the players – well the blowers at least – as the piece proved to be one of the hardest works, in terms of stamina and physical endurance, that this listener has ever encountered. The playing was of the highest order, but there were times when you just felt that it was too much, even for the likes of the great Peter Roberts – only the once mind!

Here is a piece, which only a very few Bands will ever do justice and one hopes that it is never chosen as a test-piece, as the adjudicators/audience will be certain sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome after as few as two or three performances.

Every player did their bit, particularly Sheona White on Horn, Peter Roberts on Soprano and a special mention to Gavin Pritchard on Percussion, who at one stage was having to negotiate SIX Timpani all at the same time! The Composer was in the audience, to hear his work performed and he can have little to quibble about with the way Band and Conductor handled this Tour de Force. Hats off to all concerned.

To conclude the first half, the Band played a dedication for one of their sponsors, who had chosen Andrew Duncan's arrangement of the Reunion and Finale from Gettysburg, by James Horner. Once again, the Band produced some glorious sounds and wowed the audience with the intensity of their playing , bringing their stint to a wonderful conclusion. The audience, I'm sure would have liked to hear more, but they had the common-sense to allow the Band to retreat to the comfort of the Bar, for a well earned beer or six. Well earned, given their efforts on the day – and the Friday come to that!

Following the interval, the Stavanger Band, under the guidance of Selmer Simonsen gave us something completely different but just as enjoyable as they let their hair down somewhat in a funky uninhibited display of brass musicianship, dance and non stop action.

This was great stuff and was added to by the three soloists on show, Martin Winter, Oystein Baadsvik and the delightful Christine Guldbrandsen. There is little more to say about the standard of Martin Winter's playing other than to say it is a pleasure to hear a player of this class playing and enjoying himself in a brass banding environment. Those of us lucky to hear his performance at the Norwegian Championships a few months ago just sat back and had a second helping of him on both trumpet and flugel. It was worth the entry fee in anyone's money.

The tuba player Oystein Baadsvik was also top class – in fact his playing was quite remarkable and there is little doubt that he more than lived up to his reputation that includes the fearsome American Record Guide describing him as "one of the best tuba soloists in the world." He is. Finally the young and quite stunning Miss Guldbrandsen sung like a little Wren – sweet and quite delicate whilst the Stavanger band enjoyed themselves and entertained the audience quite royally. Their programme included Accidental Mambo arranged by Reid Gilje, African Kongolela by Jan Magne Forde and Another Grieg arranged by Tom Brevik which was a nice touch.

All in all it was a rousing and thoroughly enjoyable concert to round off a long but rewarding day. Well done Norway – again!

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