During the first week of June, the Nidaros Brass Band, from Trondheim in Norway, is visiting England on its first-ever overseas tour. The tour includes evening concerts in West Byfleet with The Cobham Band and in Guildford with the Friary Guildford Brass Band. More details of the concerts, and how to obtain tickets, can be found at www.nidarosbrass.com or by calling 01895 420007.
The Nidaros Brass Band was formed in 2003 by brass band enthusiasts from Trondheim, who were keen to play in a brass band whose activity level was compatible with a busy lifestyle. The band rehearses every other Sunday and does not take part in competitions, although most of the band’s players have previously competed at championship section level with other bands. Instead the band focuses on giving entertaining and challenging concerts, featuring its own soloists, and is committed to performing music from a variety of musical genres to a high standard.
The Band is conducted by Geir Ulseth who is in charge of music for the Norwegian Band Federation (NMF) the main umbrella organisation for brass and wind bands in Norway which, among many other things, is responsible for organising the Norwegian Brass Band Championships. Geir has also played tuba in the band, as well as playing tuba in Ila Brass Band from 1987-2002, winning the Norwegian Championships with them in 1989. He has also played tuba professionally in both the Norwegian Air Force Band and the brass ensemble Quintus.
Joint concerts have been arranged with two brass bands from Surrey. The Friary Guildford Band, a band that is going through a very successful period under their conductor Chris King, winning the First Section National Finals last year, obtaining promotion, and consolidating their position in the Championship Section in the recent 2011 Regional competition, will share a concert with the Nidaros band on the evening of Friday 3rd June.
The second shared concert, on the evening of Saturday 4th June, is with The Cobham Band, a thriving Fourth Section brass band, conducted by David Ruel. Both shared concerts will conclude with joint items by the massed bands. The Nidaros band members are also very much looking forward to the chance to socialise with members of the hosting bands, after the concerts.
On tour the Nidaros Brass Band will be playing a mixture of traditional brass band music, including items that showcase the band’s soloists, Norwegian music, and more upbeat and swing numbers. The band will also be performing its signature march, “Nidaros”, commissioned by the band from Paul Sharman.
We hope that British brass band enthusiasts will take this unique opportunity to come and hear the Nidaros Brass Band, for the first time outside Norway. We look forward to meeting you!