European, Norwegian, Siddis and Brass in Concert champion Eikanger-Bjørsvik will give world premieres of two new works by Norwegian composers at the Grieghallen in Bergen this weekend.

Nordic Lights

Under the direction of Swiss conductor Philippe Bach, they will add to their renowned CV of contemporary work 'firsts' for the medium with 'Excavation' by Therese Birkelund Ulvo and 'Banderole' by HÃ¥kon Berge in a concert entitled, 'Nordic Lights'.

Eikanger applied for funding from the Norwegian Arts Council for Therese Birkelund Ulvo's 'Excavation'. The composer who hails from Bergen, but is now based outside Oslo, describes the piece as finding what is hidden underneath the 'red, shiny, glossy sports car' that is the modern elite brass band.

Meanwhile, Hakon Berge's 'Banderole' was originally commissioned by the Norwegian Band Federation as the test piece for the Norwegian Nationals in 2016, but was not ready in time to be used. Berge previously wrote 'Brass Blot', the set-work at the European Brass Band Championship in 2008.

The composer who hails from Bergen, but is now based outside Oslo, describes the piece as finding what is hidden underneath the 'red, shiny, glossy sports car' that is the modern elite brass band4BR

Aubade

The programme will also feature, 'Aubade — Dawn Songs for the Fabulous Birds' written by Torstein Aagard-Nilsen for the 2003 European Championship, which will be used as the test-piece for the Elite Section at the Norwegian National Championship in 2018.

The concert will also pay tribute to John McCabe with a performance of 'Northern Lights', written in 1992.

Facebook interview

Therese Birkelund Ulvo talks about her work at:
https://www.facebook.com/eikangerbjorsvik/videos/2047943245221533/