Eikanger and Manger Impress
Norwegian bands Eikanger and Manger Musikklag have gained plaudits and encouragement from across the globe for their live post COVID-19 broadcast concert from Bergen on Sunday 30th August. The special evening concert was held at a church in Knarvik just 500 meters or so from the Eikanger rehearsal facility, where the bands delighted a live audience of 100 socially distanced brass band enthusiasts as well as many more on Facebook Live.
Manger Musikklag, conducted by Martin Winter opened the concert with Edward Gregson's 'The Plantagenets', followed by tuba soloist Jonas Puntervoll performing Schubert's 'Erster Verlust' arranged by Torstein Aagard-Nilsen and 'Gloria' from 'Messa per Percussione' by Knut Nystedt. The beautiful 'Elegy' from 'A Downland Suite' provided a poigniant contrast before the band concluded with Philip Sparke's 'The Year of the Dragon'.
The second half featured Eikanger led by Reid Gilje, who recently celebrated 20 years as their resident conductor opening their set with 'The Triumph of Peace' by Eric Ball. Peter Meechan's 'Song of Hope' and the 'Intermezzo from Suite No.1' by Gustav Holst then led into the trombone solo 'Fields of Gold' performed by Vidar Nordli. Peter Graham's 'Dynasty' provided a thrilling conclusion to the concert.
Speaking about the concert Viggo Bjorge stated, "We've been thrilled by the response to the concert. It's been so good to hear from brass band lovers round the globe who tuned in and then took the time to express their thanks that there was a live brass band concert to be enjoyed. It shows that despite the restrictions brass bands can still reach out and connect with people across the world."
Viggo paid particular tribute to Manger Musikklag explaining that, "Eikanger has been able to get together for the past month or so in different groups to rehearse, but that hasn't been the case for Manger. Their commitment to the event was magnificent and we thank them greatly for their performances under Martin Winter.
"Although we still know that there is some way to go before we return to normality in Norway, there was real optimism that another significant step forward had been taken. The experience gained from this event will hopefully help us in producing more in the next few months, including a concert we will be hosting in Bergen at the end of September featuring the music of Wilfred Heaton."
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