The reigning British Open champion Tredegar has announced the signing of Manger Musikklag trombone star Birgitte Bjornsdatter Bruget for their appearance at the forthcoming Welsh Regional Championship in Llandudno.

Ideal solution

With regular solo trombonist Steve Turton off to play on an orchestral tour in Russia on the same weekend, the band has acted quickly to link up with one of Norwegian banding’s leading players as they seek to regain the Area title for the first time since 2010.

Band Secretary Mark Winstone told 4BR, that the circumstances meant that being able to team up with Birgitte provided an ideal solution.

"We are usually able to work around Steve’s professional commitments, but on this occasion the travel arrangements were changed so we had to act quickly. We are all thrilled to be able to welcome Birgitte to Tredegar.

She is a wonderful player and we are sure she will enjoy herself in Wales."

Delighted

Birgitte was equally delighted that she will be able to taste the atmosphere of the Welsh Area contest for the first time.

She told 4BR: "Other Norwegian players have told me about the contest atmosphere in Wales, so I’m really looking forward to playing with such a great band.

Everyone in Norwegian banding has a great respect for Tredegar, so to be asked by Ian Porthouse to play with them at such an important contest is a real honour."

Having heard Birgitte play superbly with Manger over the years I’m delighted that we are finally able to work with herMD, Ian Porthouse

Enhance

The Tredegar MD is in no doubt that Birgitte will also enhance his band’s chances of claiming the title and the all important European qualification place for Freiburg in Germany in 2015.

"I simply couldn’t think of a better trombonist to come in and play for us.

Having heard Birgitte play superbly with Manger over the years I’m delighted that we are finally able to work with her."