Manger Musikklag recently undertook a short European tour that saw them perform concerts in France, Netherlands and Belgium under the baton of conductor Allan Withington.
The group of 36 players and support team members left Bergen for what was to be an exciting trip that saw them link up with a trio of elite level European banding friends in Hauts-de-France, Brassband Schoonhoven and Brass Band Willebroek.
Sightseeing
After a long first day of travel and airport security at Amsterdam airport, Manger eventually made it to their first stop in the lovely Belgian city of Ghent, and an equally fine hotel complete with a pool, great food and a well-stocked bar.
After a long first day of travel and airport security at Amsterdam airport, Manger eventually made it to their first stop in the lovely Belgian city of Ghent, and an equally fine hotel complete with a pool, great food and a well-stocked bar.
The following day was reserved for sightseeing in the capital and the largest city of East Flanders, visiting many of their historic buildings, before an evening rehearsal arranged by the members of Brassband Ghent.
The players enjoyed the sights of Ghent
First French stop
The first concert of the tour saw the band travel to Lille to perform with French National Champion, Hauts-de-France Brass Band.
A wonderful welcome (aided by fresh baguettes and red wine) provided the friendliest of preludes to a concert at Le Kiosk concert hall which concluded with a rousing joint performance pf ‘The Lost Chord’.
Orange and green in harmony
Dutch stop
The next tour stop was to the city of Hilversum in Holland region of the Netherlands. After spending a couple of hours exploring the city the band undertook a concert at the Muziekcentrum van de Omroep, alongside multiple Dutch National Champions, Brassband Schoonhoven.
Once again, the two bands shared the stage for individual and joint items, including not only Norwegian music but also pieces from all three countries Manger had visited on their short tour.
Once again, the two bands shared the stage for individual and joint items, including not only Norwegian music but also pieces from all three countries Manger had visited on their short tour.
The concert once again concluded with a massed band performance of Arthur Sullivan’s ‘The Lost Chord’, before the players came together once again - this time over a few drinks to talk about banding and make new friendships.
Percussion teams, triangles and tams
Brussels finale
The final concert leg came with a trip to Brussels - again with time to enjoy the sights of a wonderful city before the evening concert with Belgian champion Brassband Willebroek.
Following their ethos of playing works from the country of their hosts, Manger showcased ‘Osterfjorden’ by Stijn Aertgeerts, who was present in the audience, whilst the final sounds were of epic proportions as both bands joined forces for the final items.
Thank you
Reflecting on what was an exciting and thoroughly engaging musical trip, that marked the close of their 2023/24 season, Sarah S Karlsen told 4BR: “We extend a gigantic thank you to the bands that organised these concerts and chose to share the stage with us.
Most importantly, we appreciate that they took the time to get to know us. We treasure the experiences we’ve had in three countries this week. Thank you to Hauts-de-France Brass Band, Brassband Schoonhoven, and Brassband Willebroek.
We treasure the experiences we’ve had in three countries this week. Thank you to Hauts-de-France Brass Band, Brassband Schoonhoven, and Brassband Willebroek.
They added: “We also want to express our gratitude to Artistic Director, Allan Withington, who prepared the ensemble and safely guided us through three concerts with his usual fantastic musicality.
Special thanks also to Marianne Gjertsen, who served as our tour leader, and to the committee that worked tirelessly for over a year to make this trip a success; Pia Withington, Sofie Øian, Åshild Aagaard-Nilsen, Sarah Strandhus Karlsen, and Preben Johansen.”
With thanks to Sarah Strandhus Karlsen
