Tour of Norway - 1st-5th June

Seindorf Beaumaris Band
5-day Tour of Norway, 1st – 5th June

You could feel the excitement in the air for months before this – the inaugural tour to Norway for Seindorf Beaumaris Band. Gwyn as Musical Director and Andy Berryman (principal trombone of the Hallé Orchestra) assisting as Guest Conductor, had several telephone conversations to discuss how they could make the programme enjoyable for both cultures. Gwyn then consulted with Morten Hansen to discuss whether the chosen repertoire would be appropriate for the Norwegian audience. Morten, who lives in Norway, has been guest conductor for Beaumaris band on many occasions and agreed to be our tour manager for the 5 days.

The day before the start of the tour the Band performed at the Beaumaris Festival where they would test out the Norwegian programme. This programme was to include a new work called Henffych y Ddraig (Salute the Dragon) by John Parkinson this featured Paul Hughes and Dewi Griffiths who are the official trumpeters of the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The other new commission for this concert and the tour was a Concerto for Tuba which was written by the young composer in residence for the Black Dyke Mills Band – Peter Meechan. This piece had been especially commissioned by the Band’s principal tuba player ‘Les Neish’ who dazzled the audience with his technical brilliance. Earlier that day Les had performed his final recital to gain his Masters degree at the RNCM.

Some 24 hours later the Band arrived somewhat bedraggled to perform their 1st concert with Stangaland Band in Kobervick, Haugesund. The capacity audience instilled an eager anticipation in the band and with adrenaline flowing the band lived up to all expectation. This concert ended with a standing ovation which set the tone for the rest of the tour.

Day 2 started off with a magnificent and scenic journey to Bergen where the band shared their second concert with Kronengen Band in the grand settings of the Grand Hall. Bergen is the Music Capital of Norway and is also famous for its Fish Market. The afternoon was free for the Band members and many of them spent this time taking in the sites and smells of this Market.

Prior to the concert the band were treated to a traditional Norwegian Dish of Reindeer by the members of the Kronengen Band and was enthusiastically enjoyed by all. The evening concert began with the host band displaying a varied programme which included Derek Bourgeois popular test piece ‘Blitz’. After a short interval Beaumaris Band took to the stage and treated the Bergen audience to the sounds of the Eisteddfod Trumpeters. The rest of the programme was performed with great energy and style which concluded with the band showing off their vocal skills in a choral arrangement of ‘Sosban Fach’.

Day 3 - another early but very picturesque journey to the Island of Tysnes was the order of the day. This small island which only has a population of 2800 showed us a warmth of hospitality by inviting us to stay in their homes.

This concert was the opening of the Tysnes Musical festival. The band, firing on all cylinders, had the audience of Tysnes speechless as they gave a standing ovation and insisted on 3 encores. The band were then treated once again to a reception where there was yet another night of band/audience bonding. The organisers of this festival commented that this had been the most successful opening concert they could remember.

Day 4 started with the obligatory early morning, and the things that go with it! Morten was more animated today, as we were going to his home town, Stavanger. The band were invited to play at the Gala Concert of the Knall 2005 Brass Band Contest. The evening was yet another great success.

Day 5 was time to say goodbye and thanks to all before leaving for the journey home. What a fantastic tour! – an experience the band will never forget.