The contorted facial expression of Eikanger's conductor Ingar Bergby as he turned to the packed Grieghallen audience as the final chord rang out of their own-choice performance, provided the perfect 'told you so' moment of this year's Norwegian National Championships.

Rivals who thought the 21 time winner could well be beaten for a second successive year (the last occasion was in 2007), were left to rue their pre-contest predictions. It seems Bergby, much like the mythical figure of Ludovic Neurohr's 'Dear Cassandra', knew the truth would be revealed come the results.

Alchemy

Eikanger's success was thoroughly deserved — crafted by an artist whose own personality imbued both the Greek soothsayer as well as that of composer Derek Bourgeois, whose 'Concerto No. 1' was brought to life with an alchemy understanding of its absurdist wit and telling lyricism.

Little wonder the players later formed an arc around their maestro to serenade him in song before starting a long night of celebration. A quick repeat of his facial gymnastics brought a cheer almost as loud as that which poured from the audience at the end of that revelatory 'Cassandra' performance.

Smile

His smile when speaking about a "wonderful band" and "fantastic players" (including their 'Best Section' tubas) had a genuine warmth of respectful appreciation, whilst the thanks from players and supporters in return spoke in equal affection for a musician blessed with the rare talent to inspire music making of the highest quality.

Eikanger will now represent the nation at the 2027 European Championships in Montreux, whilst a financially profitable week also saw them add a further 90,000 Krone (£7,000 approx) to their bank balance.

Pushed hard

They will have known however, that they were pushed very hard by defending champion Manger Musikklag, led by David King, in a battle between rivals that also in truthful reality were a class apart from the rest of the field over the two-legged contest.

Manger's grip on the trophy was loosened by a set-work bold and immersive in interpretive character, but not without moments of unease. Playing catch-up the following day, the Australian once again pulled out all the stops on 'This World' by Thomas Doss, but it wasn't enough. They will be a force to reckon with come the Europeans in Linz though.

Although the podium was once again filled by the trio of 'anger' bands, Stavanger were never really in the hunt for their first title success since 2020, despite Ivan Meylemans arguably drawing the most persuasive of Bourgeois set-work character portraits. Too many unforced errors though pockmarked their account — repeated with Wim Bex's 'The Forest for the Trees'.

Churn

Behind them, joy tinged with disappointment for Jaren Hornmusikforening, as Michael Thomsen led them to equal their best finish for a fifth time. A wonderfully delivered set-work got Friday night tongues wagging (which saw them finish second), although they couldn't quite repeat the feat the following day on 'A Road Less Travelled By'.

On a weekend of considerable churn in the established Elite Division pecking order, fourth place was arguable the least they deserved.

Another display of progressive solidity from Kleppe saw them secure a best ever finish in fifth with a brace of performances that further signified their growing maturity under MD Tormod Flaten (with the superb soprano Torstein Holmas leading their young soloists), whilst the remaining top-six place went to Oslofjord.

Peter Szilvay's band recovered from a rather frenetic set-work to post an absorbing rendition of 'HorrorShow' (which came third). The band's trombone player Annbjorg Engas took the 'Best Soloist' award.

It meant that Olso's consistency on the cusp of a top-six finish saw them head a trio of hit and miss performances from Brottum, Tertnes and Bjorsvik Brass — all of whom will have recognised the contesting truth behind their final positions.

First Division:

Few bands would have celebrated as hard, or as long into the Bergen night as Rong Brass, after they claimed the First Division title under Ian Porthouse.

A year ago they rued circumstances beyond their control, but here nothing fell from their grasp as they secured victory and the 60,000 Krone first prize (£4,600 approx) with a commanding rendition of Stijn Aertgeerts' 'Afterlife'.

The two-point margin from Krohnengen, with Ila two points further back in third, was a mark of the quality in execution of the MDs detailed interpretation, led by the splendid 'Best Soloist' contribution of flugel player Kine Oen.

Impressive quality

Once again there was an impressive quality for the judges to compare and contrast with the
very best own-choice performances. The top-two in particular delivered on compositions that they comprehensively commanded both technically and musically.

Krohnengen further confirmed their developmental progress as Magnus Brandseth brought detail as well as controlled excitement to the fore in 'The Cosmographic Mystery' — one built on a formidable 'Best Section' tuba foundation.

Ila Brass also showed that they are an imposing force at this level (having been relegated last year from the Elite Division) as Stig Maersk led a robust rendition of 'From Ancient Times' to end third, whilst Flesland Musikklag and Margie Sutherland Antrobus impressed with their account of 'A Road Less Travelled By'.

The final top-six places went to Askoy Brass and Sandefjord Brass Symposium, who couldn't quite match their ambitions with the demands of 'Dante's Descent' and 'Music of the Spheres', whilst behind them the limitations became more pronounced with own-choices that just over-stretched ensembles and soloists.

Second Division:

There certainly was no shortage of ambition displayed in the Second Division as Agder Brass secured a first National title success.

Led with elegant authority by John Philip Hannevik, their bold rendition of 'Sollicitus' by Fredrick Schjelderup was marked by excellent solo leads and balanced ensemble — one that was further enhanced by their 'Best Section' percussion team.

Second place went to Bergen Brass, as last year's Third Division champion produced a thrilling account of Jan de Haan's 'The Patriots' off the number 1 draw that set a high bench mark. Their fine euphonium player Brynjar Pedersen took the 'Best Soloist' accolade.

Best result

There was joy for another band building on the experience of their musical direction, as Melvin White led Stangaland to third place, their best result for a quarter of a century, with a thoroughly well-constructed rendition of 'Modern Times' by Etienne Crausaz.

Much to enjoy too with the remaining top-six contenders on Friday morning, with Gjesdal Brass, Tromso Brass and Trondheim with their contrasting selections of 'Ad Undas — To the Waves', 'Chivalry' and 'Spectrum'.

It certainly made for a difficult task for judges Joseph Cook and Glyn Williams, with plenty of quality on show from the remaining contenders, headed by Sola Brass all the way to Hasle Brass.

Third Division:

Reid Gilje celebrated yet another successful personal National Championship as he claimed his sixth title in leading Evanger Musikklag to Third Division victory.

As the last of the 15 contenders, he brought all his experience to the fore with a lyrically inspired rendition of Eric Ball's 'Sinfonietta — The Wayfarer'. Having made their debut at the contest in 2024 in the Fifth Division, it was the second National victory in three years for the band based in Vestland, north east of Bergen.

Close

Just behind came KOS-Krohnengen Old Stars, as they came close to a second National title with their solid rendition of 'The Forest of Dean', whilst Stavanger Kommunes Korps impressed with 'A Brief Symphony of Time' that saw euphonium player Riccardo Piazza and their tuba team take individual accolades.

The remaining top-six places went to last year's Fourth Division winner Moen Musikkforening, Riska Brass and Lindas Brass.

Fourth Division:

It was possible that a unique piece of Norwegian banding history was made in the Fourth Division as Ray Farr led Skeie Brass to a first NM title with the assistance of his brother Paul as principal cornet.

Both have a long association with the banding movement as professional musicians, with Ray claiming his first title as a conductor back in 1983 and in leading Eikanger to the Elite Division honours in 1985.

Here they joined forces on 'Viking Age' to help Skeie secure a one-point margin of victory over rivals Flora Bremanger (aided by their 'Best Section' tubas) with Randaberg Musikkoprs in third. The remaining top-six places went to Hetlevik Musikklag, Lyshornet Brass and Seim Musikklag.

Fifth Division:

There was plenty of inclusive contesting music making to enjoy for the audience in the Peer Gynt Hall with 15 Fifth Division bands showcasing their enthusiasm and excellence.

In the end it was Langhus Brass who claimed a third national title under Thomas Whittington Tengelsen as their fine rendition of 'Northern Landscapes' secured a two-point margin from Sagvag Musikklag and Floro Hornmusikk. The remaining top-six places went to Holmestrand Brass, Valdres Brass and Frei Hornmusikk.

Moving forward:

Although the Norwegian National Championship event is fast approaching its 50th anniversary (in 2029) it is doing its best to rid itself of any creeping middle-aged lethargy.

The introduction of the Fifth Division in 2017 has given the progressive contest structure a wider, better focussed appreciation of relative excellence, whilst younger leadership with an outward looking vision and wider sponsorship awareness is supported by superb volunteers and an effective media communications team. The Norwegian Minister of Culture was once again a welcome visitor.

There are still musical grumbles of course (complaints about the set-work errata) and inclusivity challenges, but any contest that can still see a packed hall full of people wishing to listen to the bands is one that doesn't have to worry too much about other types of Cassandra prophesies.

Iwan Fox

Live coverage:

To enjoy live coverage go to:
https://www.4barsrest.com/live/2026NorwegianNationals/default.asp

Little wonder the players later formed an arc around their maestro to serenade him in song before starting a long night of celebration4BR

Results:

Elite Division:

Set Work: Concerto No.1 (Derek Bourgeois)
Adjudicators:
Set Work: Veronique Gyger-Pitteloud; Knut Vaage; Svein Henrik Giske
Own Choice: Mareika Gray; Glyn Williams; Arvid Anthun
Set Work/Own Choice = Average total

1. Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag (Ingar Bergby): 95/ 97 = 96.00
2. Manger Musikklag (Prof David King): 93/96 = 94.50
3. Stavanger Brass Band (Ivan Meylemans): 91/93 = 92.00
4. Jaren Hornmusikkforening (Michael Aaberg Thomsen): 94/89 = 91.50*
5. Kleppe Musikklag (Tormod Flaten): 92/91 = 91.50
6. Oslofjord Brass (Peter Szilvay): 87/94 = 90.50
7. Oslo Brass Band (Sebastian Haukas): 89/90 = 89.50
8. Brottum Brass (David Morton): 90/88 = 89.00
9. Tertnes Brass (Paul Holland): 88/87 = 87.50
10. Bjorsvik Brass (Andreas Hanson): 86/86 = 86.00

*Set Work mark takes precedence
Solo Prize: Solo Trombone of Oslofjord Brass
Section Prize: Tubas of Eikanger Bjorsvik

First Division:

Adjudicators: Veronique Gyger-Pitteloud; Anne Crookston; Japp Musschenga

1. Rong Brass (Ian Porthouse): 96
2. Krohnengen Brass Band (Magnus Brandseth): 94
3. Ila Brass Band (Stig Maersk): 92
4. Flesland Musikklag (Margaret S Antrobus): 91
5. Askoy Brass Band (Reid Gilje): 90
6. Sandefjord Brass Symposium (Trond Husebo): 89
7. Radoy Brass (Jacob Vilhelm Larsen): 88
8. Tomra Brass Band (Frans Violet): 87
9. Musikkorpset Gjallarhorn (Emil Bjorklund): 86
10. Molde Brass Band (Frode Amundsen): 84
11. Tysnes Musikklag (Yngve Nikolaisen): 83
12. Orskog Brass (Jonathan Bates): 81

Solo Prize: Flugel with Rong Brass
Section Prize: Tuubas of Krohnengen Brass Band

Second Division:

Adjudicators: Glyn Williams; Joseph Cook

1. Agder Brass (Philip Hannevik): 95
2. Bergen Brass Band (Thor-Arne Pedersen): 94
3. Stangaland Brass (Melvin White): 92
4. Gjesdal Brass Band (Russell Gray): 91
5. Tromso Brass (Vidar Alvestad): 90
6. Trondheim Brassband (Espen Andersen): 89
7. Sola Brass Band (Dewi Griffiths): 88
8. Jolster Musikklag (Bjorn Breistein): 86
9. Haukas Musikklag (Yngve Nikolaisen): 85
10. Bjorvika Brass Band (Maria Molund): 84
11. Sorum Musikklag (Philip Hannevik): 83
12. Folleso Musikklag (Oddvar Nostdal): 82
13. Hasle Brass (Kai Grinde Myrann): 81

Solo Prize: Euphonium of Bergen Brass Band
Section Prize: Percussion of Agder Brass

Third Division:

Adjudicators: Mareika Gray; Anne Crookston

1. Evanger Musikklag (Reid Gilje): 95
2. Krohnengen Old Stars (KOS) (Oyvind Nikolaisen): 94
3. Stavanger Kommunes Korps (Morten Ovrebekk): 93
4. Moen Musikkforening (Ole Kristian Egge): 91
5. Riska Brass Band (Arne Stian Aarrestad): 90
6. Lindas Brass (Ben Hirons): 89
7. Haugaland Brass Band (Paul Hughes): 88
8. Tertnes Amatorkorps (Jane G Westervik): 87
9. Kjolsdalen Musikklag (Arvid Anthun): 86
10. Manger Old Star Brass (Patrick Randefalk): 85
11. Alexander Brassband (Gwyn M Evans): 84
12. Gjovik ByBrass (Morten Fagerjord): 83
13. Fjell Brass Band (Ben Hirons): 82
14. Oster Brass (Henrik Dagestad-Dalhaug): 81
15. Nes Musikkforening (Maria Molund): 80

Solo Prize: Euphonium of Stavanger Kommunes Korps
Section Prize: Tubas of Stavanger Kommunes Korps

Fourth Division:

Adjudicators: Svein Henrik Giske; Joseph Cook

1. Skeie Brass (Ray Farr): 94
2. Flora-Bremanger Brassband (Philip Goodwin): 93
3. Randaberg Musikkorps (Espen Westbye): 92
4. Hetlevik Musikklag (Fredrick Schjelderup): 91
5. Lyshornet Brass (Torstein Avar Sollien): 90
6. Seim Musikklag (Torstein Holmas): 89
7. Laksevag Musikkforening (Margaret S Antrobus): 88
8. Skui Brassband (Marte Rolfson): 87
9. Fla Musikkorps (Ingrid Oien): 86
10. Eikelandsfjorden Musikklag (Oddvar Nostdal): 85
11. Brumunddal Brass (Erling J Myrseth): 84
12. Grenland Brass (Sigurd Grov Skramsett): 83
13. Heroy Brass (Frode Dalhaug): 82
14. Saksumdal Musikkforening (Andreas Halla): 81
15. Jonsvatnet Brass (Gerard Rooker): 80

Solo Prize: Principal cornet of Seim Musikklag
Section Prize: Tubas of Flora-Bremanger Brassband

Fifth Division:

Adjudicators: Japp Musschenga; Irene Graven

1. Langhus Brass (Thomas W. Tengelsen): 95
2. Sagvag Musikklag (Havard Kroka): 93
3. Floro Hornmusikk (Torgeir Halvorsen): 92
4. Holmestrand Brass (Nils Andreas Grosas Granseth): 91
5. Valdres Brass Band (Tor Arthur Hagen): 90
6. Frei Hornmusikk (Randi Anita Dale): 89
7. Imi Brass (Halvor Gaard): 88
8. Lismarka/Mesnali Brass (Andres Halla): 87
9. Filadelfia Hornorkester Drammen (Knut Esten Stendal): 86
10. Torpa BygdeBrass (Jon Kristian Solberg): 85.5
11. Norheimsund Musikklag (Viljar Bjorsvik Rath): 85
12. KarmsundBrass (Kristian Thulin): 84
13. Fjordbrass -Lavik (Jason Burn): 83.5
14. Hordvik Musikklag (Arian Pedersen): 82.5
15. Austevoll Brass (Stein Skorpholm): 82

Solo Prize: Principal cornet of Floro Hornmusikk
Section Prize: Tubas of Langhus Brass