The 4BR Special Award this year goes to the hugely respected trombone player, musician and teacher Grethe W Tonheim.
Educated at the Bergen Music Conservatory (now the Grieg Academy) and the Norwegian Academy of Music, she studied under the likes of Ingemar Roos, Kim Lofthouse and John-Arild Suther.
Her experiences under Claudio Abbado at the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester where she played from 1989-1991, as well as at the Gothenburg Opera and the Gavle Symphony Orchestra formed the basis of her musical outlook in becoming a freelance performer.
Ethos
Her desire to inspire others at all levels — from first time students to fellow professionals has driven her musical ethos ever since.
Grethe has worked at the Manger Kolkehøgskule, Bergen Private Gymnasium and the Grieg Academy for many years whilst still balancing a busy freelance schedule working with a number of Norwegian symphony orchestras, military bands, opera orchestras and theatres.
As a member of the BIT20, the respected contemporary music ensemble, and the brass quintet BRIS she has continued to explore new musical avenues, including becoming a hugely respected adjudicator.
Contributions
For nearly 30 years Grethe was the solo trombone player with Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag, becoming an integral part of an ensemble that has become one of the most successful competitive and artistically renowned brass bands in the world.
Her many solo award-winning contributions (as well as those with colleagues in the trombone section) have helped the band to European, Norwegian National, Siddis and Brass in Concert titles — her performances on the contest, concert and recording platforms marked by her trademark combination of musical elegance and tensile steel technique.
During her period with Eikanger Grethe helped commission numerous works, including the double trombone concerto 'The Sons of Zeus' by Svein Henrik Giske and more recently a concerto by the Bergen based composer Elisabeth Vannebo.
Leading figure
In more recent years Grethe has been one of the leading figures of Bjorsvik Brass — formed by former players of the Eikanger Bjorsvik Band to enable them to carry on performing and enjoying their competitive banding — rising from Fourth to the Elite Division level over the last decade.
As an educationalist and teacher, Grethe Tonheim's legacy is already heard in numerous brass and wind ensembles throughout Norway, from school bands to professional orchestras.
She is seen as a truly inspirational figure to youngsters, and especially young female players. Her work as a leader, tutor and guest soloist on various courses working with players of ages and levels is greatly respected — both in Norway and abroad (including the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain).
Most important
As one of many former playing colleagues and countless friends have told 4BR, the Norwegian banding movement owes her a huge debt of gratitude in being an inspirational musician to countless fellow performers and audiences.
"If Grethe is there with you, you know you have nothing to worry about,"a former Eikanger player said. "Everyone admires, respects and loves her.
She remains one of the most important brass musicians in the country — and someone who has helped create the lasting foundations on which the future of Norwegian banding is now built."
She remains one of the most important brass musicians in the country — and someone who has helped create the lasting foundations on which the future of Norwegian banding is now built4BR
4BR Special Award:
2023: Duncan Beckley
2022: National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
2021: Denis Wick
2020: Brass Bands England
2019: Lito Fontana
2018: Allan Withington
2017: Paul Hindmarsh
2016: Carole Crompton
2015: Philip Wilby
2014: Mike Shenton
2013: John Berryman
2012: Howard Snell
2011: Philip Sparke
2010: Scottish Brass Band Association
2009: Ian Williams
2008: Norwegian Band Federation
2007: Peter Roberts
2006: Markus Bach
2005: David Gallaher
2004: David Read
2003: Salvationist Publishing & Supplies Ltd
2002: Frank Hodges
2001: Alan Jenkins
