Eikanger-Bjørsvik has announced that they have appointed the Danish star Stanley Westh as their new principal cornet. He takes over the role from David Morton.

The Yamaha performer is the headline signing for the Norwegian, Siddis and Brass in Concert champion as they refresh their ranks with new faces also coming in on cornet, horn and percussion.

Remarkable contribution

Band Manager Viggo Bjorge told 4BR: "David is giving priority to his young family and increased work commitments. He has been an outstanding player both as a soloist and team leader and has made a remarkable contribution to the success of the band since he joined in 2013. We wish him well."

He added: "We are delighted to welcome Stanley Westh from Copenhagen — an outstanding professional musician who performs with Livgardens Musikkorps one of the finest military bands in Denmark.

He is presently the principal cornet with Concord Brass Band, and a leading member of the prestigious Yamaha Neo Brass Ensemble."

Looking forward

Talking exclusively to 4BR about his new appointment, Stanley told 4BR that he was looking forward to undertaking a busy schedule of exciting concert and projects with Eikanger.

"I'm thrilled to be able to take up this role with such a world class band. I've been able to sort out the logistical challenges and will move to Bergen during the summer to join up for the start of their 2018/19 season."

The Yamaha artist added: "It's an amazing opportunity and one that I'm very excited about. I will take a leave of absence from my professional role with the Danish Life Guards Band and will undertake teaching and conducting commitments during my tenure with Eikanger.

It really is a dream come true to play with a band of this supreme calibre. I'm expecting the coming year to be an unforgettable experience and hope to gain inspiration from the opportunity to enhance my playing, and that with my band, Concord in Denmark."

Fantastic time

Stanley has been offered warm congratulations by David Morton who told 4BR that the past four years as principal cornet have also been unforgettable.

"It's been such a fantastic time with Eikanger and I hope Stanley enjoys just as much success.

After such a focused and intense period in my playing, now is the ideal time to enjoy my family and other interests. I've been very fortunate to achieve so much with Eikanger and I leave with so many happy memories."

He added: "I won't be playing, although I hope to pick it up at some time in the future, but I will be concentrating on my conducting with Oster and Rong Bands and exploring other exciting challenges.

Having the opportunity to spend so much more time with my family though is going to be great."

After such a focused and intense period in my playing, now is the ideal time to enjoy my family and other interests. I've been very fortunate to achieve so much with Eikanger and I leave with so many happy memoriesDavid Morton

New signings

In addition to the signing of Stanley Westh, Eikanger has announced the signing of William Anthun, a second year trumpet student at the Grieg Academy, to the cornet section.

Meanwhile, Ingvild Fagna from Knarvik School Band (which shares the same rehearsal facilities as Eikanger) joins on tenor which, whilst percussionist Kishant Halvorsen comes in from Ravnanger Brass, a school band from the nearby island of Askøy.

Band Manager Viggo Bjorge, added: "We are very pleased to welcome these talented young players and look forward to having them as important members of the band in the years to come."