In May 2025, we proudly represented Scotland in the European Brass Band Championships in Stavanger, Norway conducted by Katrina Marzella Wheeler. The set test piece, Transitions in Energy by Fredrick Schjelderup, describes the past, present and future of Energy.
The thematic connection to historic events like the Alexander L Kielland disaster adds vast emotional depth to the performance.
The “In Memoriam” highlights music’s ability to pay tribute, evoke reflection, and channel collective emotion, in this case by painting a canvas of an empty space at sea where life should have prevailed and where survivors spread roses in honour of those lost. We acknowledge other tragedies closer to our home, like Piper Alpha and Aberfan, which truly ties in universal grief and remembrance of lives lost in pursuit of energy.
The gesture of Kielland-Nettverket wanting to host our rendition of “Ode to Alexander Kielland” is a testament to the power and sincerity of the performance. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase how music transcends boundaries to honour stories that remain important to so many. Also, a special thanks to World of Brass for enabling this initiative.
This performance will also be available to view on our YouTube channel so head over and take a look at some of our videos. The link is here
