There was further Norwegian success to celebrate on the European weekend – although this time it was domestic success for 2011 National Champion, Eikanger Bjorsvik.
Commanding victory
Conducted by Reid Gilje, they took the honours at the Grenland Festival, with a commanding victory over Stavanger, Sandefjord Brass Symposium and Montebello Brass in the multi discipline event.
Eikanger claimed a four point lead in the opening Church Music section on the Friday night, where they performed a 25 minute programme that included Philip Sparke’s newly commissioned set work, ‘Cantilena’.
High class
The following day they extended their lead with a high class rendition of the test piece, Michael Ball’s ‘Whitsun Wakes’, before rounding off their victory with further success in the own choice entertainment section, where they reprised their Latin American programme last heard at the SIDDIS Contest a couple of years ago.
Further entertainment
Before the announcement of the results, Eikanger provided further entertainment at the Gala Concert that saw them featured in items with fellow guests, Spanish Brass Luur Metalls.
Band Chairman Viggo Bjorge told 4BR: "We are obviously happy to win the competition. We played exceptionally well against strong rivals to give us the title here for the eighth time in eight attempts."
Congratulations
Viggo was also keen to congratulate the newly crowned champions of Europe – Manger Musikklag on their victory in Montreux.
"To hear that they had won was wonderful news. The band is situated a few kilometres from Eikanger and there has been a wonderful friendly rivalry between us both over the years.
We wished them every success before they left for Montreux and we also managed to be with many others to greet them as they arrived home too. It is a fantastic achievement."
we are all now looking forward to representing our country with Manger at the European Championships in Rotterdam in 2012. That will be an extra special battle nowViggo Bjorge
Victory spur
However, Viggo believes that the news of their rival’s victory will spur Eikanger on.
He added: "We first have a high profile concert in a few months time where we will give the world premiere of a new work by Norwegian composer Helge Sunde, whilst we are all now looking forward to representing our country with Manger at the European Championships in Rotterdam in 2012. That will be an extra special battle now."
First & Second Division
In the First Division, victory went to Oster Brass who beat reigning champion Radoy Brass, whilst new champions were also declared in the Second Division, where Grenland Brass beat defending champions Manger Folkehogskules Brassband with Salen Hornokester in third.
Third Division
In the Third Division there was a first victory for Langhuas Brass who beat Grenland Ungdoms and Indre Torungen Brass Ensemble to the title.
Results:
Elite Division:
(Church/Set/OwnChoice)
Adjudicators: Karl Ole Midtbo, Torgny Hanson, Rodney Newton
1. Eikanger Bjorsvik (Reid Gilje) — 98*/97/97 = 291.5
2. Stavanger (Morten Wesnberg) – 93/93/93 = 279
3. Sandefjord Brass Symposium (Knut Overland) – 90/91/89 = 270
4. Montebello Brass (Tarjei Gilbrant) – 94/0**/91 = 185
Hymn Tune Prize: Eikanger Bjorsvik
Solo Prize: Guttorm Gjeldsbrev-Langstoyl (cornet) – Montebello Brass
* 0.5 point deducted for time penalty
** Did not compete in section
First Division:
1. Oster Brass – 92/92/96 = 280
2. Radoy Brass – 91/90/92 = 273
Hymn Tune Prize: Radoy Brass
Solo Prize: Hildegunn Sture Sylta (Trombone) – Radoy Brass
Second Division:
1. Grenland Brass – 90/90/ = 180
2. Manger Folkehogskules Brass Band – 89/88 = 177
3. Salen Hornorkester – 97/97 = 174
4. Fagernes Musikkorps – 84/86 = 170
Hymn Tune Prize: Grenland Brass
Solo Prize: Martin Simensen (Trumpet) – Salen Hornorkester
Third Division:
1. Langhus Brass — 92/88 = 180
2. Grenland Ungdoms Brass Band – 90/86 = 176
3. Indre Torumgen Brass Ensemble – 87/89 = 176
4. Eidesberg Brass Band – 97/89 = 176
5. Spydeberg Ungdomskorps – 84/85 = 174
6. Tysvaer Brass – 86/87 = 173
7. Karmsund Brass – 82/84 = 166
Hymn Tune Prize: Langhus Brass
Solo Prize: Anette Torskangerpoll (Trombone) – Langhus Brass
