NYBBS in Norway: days six and seven

Talented musicians from Scotland and Norway celebrate after their joint concert.

DAY five of its trip to Norway saw the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) on its travels to nearby Bergen for a day of culture and music.

Members began by immersing themselves in the life of Norwegian national treasure(with Scottish ancestry!), Edvard Grieg, at his home and museum. 

Wonderfully preserved, the site offers tremendous insight into the composer's family and musical life. It still plays host to his composition 'man-cave' which offered the composer a peaceful setting to compose while looking out at the stunning Norwegian landscape.

The band then got back on the bus and made for central Bergen ahead of a performance at the city's castle. Not even the rain (and cornet player Callum forgetting his black trousers) could stop the band and conductors Russell Gray and Richard Evans from entertaining the assembled crowd.

After returning to camp and drying off, members settled down for an evening rehearsal and the 2016 NYBBS solo contest.

Cornet player Kyle Fitzsimmons triumphed at the contest after impressing adjudicator Bjørn Berentsen, headmaster at Åsane Folkehøgskole, ahead of Mark Elwis and euphonium player Leighton Griffin. 

It rounded off another busy day in Norway!

The following day, NYBBS began with a recording session as Richard Evans and Russell Gray led the band through a host of demanding repertoire. 

Rehearsals and lunch followed before it was time to squeeze on to the bus for a trip to Manger to perform with youngsters from Norway's youth setup. What came next was a heartwarming evening as band members and staff shared stories, games and music - as tenor horn player Cat Barnet explained.

Reid Gilje conducted the Norwegian band through a challenging programme which included Paganini Variations before NYBBS responded in style. Each band gave the other spirited ovations before they shared a meal with each other. An impromptu informal concert followed, with musicians from both countries taking part.

The conductor of the Norwegian band reflected on a satisfying evening...

There was just time for some more conversation (and a few selfies) before it was time to head back to camp following one of the many musical and social highlights of this unforgettable trip.