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Gray day for Stavanger |
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Russell Gray is to conduct Stavanger Brass Band in the 2006 Norwegian Brass Band Championship. Russell started his conducting career as resident conductor of Stavanger Brass Band, in the period 1998 – 2000. Since then, Russell has toured the world with his cornet, given master classes, and recorded several CDs, both as a soloist and as a conductor. He was named Conductor of the Year in 2002, leading the Foden’s Band. Today he is MD of the Leyland Band. Russell has a special ability to bond with musicians from different cultures, and in 2005 he can look back at an impressive contest record; the Swiss Open, the French Open, North West Areas, youth championships of Switzerland and England, and recently, the prestigious Nationals title with the Leyland Band. Stavanger Brass Band is looking forward to work with Russell again.
Stavanger Brass Band is currently negotiating with Allan Withington, with the objective of him taking over as the band’s new principal guest conductor. Last May, Allan led the band to a solid third place in the European Championships. Allan is a trumpet player with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, and he is the MD of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band. He has also led bands like Fairey’s and Brighouose & Rastrick Band to victories both in the National Championship of Great Britain, and he also won the European Championship in 1998 with the Brighouse & Rastrick Band. He has conducted productions with Norwegian symphony orchestras, and is a very popular guest conductor on the Norwegian Brass Band scene.
Professor David King’s contract with Stavanger Brass Band has expired. Under David’s guidance, the band has developed into one of the finest brass ensembles in Europe, and can look back at several highlights: Norwegian champions in 2003 and 2004, Winners of SIDDIS Brass in 2002 and 2004, NABBA Champions 2003, Gala concert at the British Open 2004, with a full DVD production, and the gala concert in Holmenkollen, Oslo, at the end of the 2005 Band Festival last June, performing for an audience of 12.000! David’s increasing commitments in England and the rest of Europe makes it difficult to find a schedule for a continuation of his engagement in Stavanger Brass Band. The band wishes to thank David for his outstanding efforts and fantastic results. The band has a very good relationship with David, and we look forward to having him back for future projects. |