Murley Silver Band were privileged to participate in the European Brass Band Championships for the first time in its 84 year history.
Murley were in the B-section with three other bands from Italy, Norway and Germany.
The band (plus supporters!) arrived in Stavanger on Friday morning to find themselves drawn fourth in the competition. At the rehearsal in the hotel that evening, euphonium player Boris Pinto discovered that his instrument had been badly damaged by the airport baggage throwers. Fortunately, although the damage would be expensive to fix, it was cosmetic - at least the valves still moved!
An early start on Saturday morning saw the band make the short journey to the beautiful and intimate Stavanger Concert Hall at the Bjerstedt Park (above). After a warm up and photographs, the band took to stage announced by compere, Frank Renton. Murley, conducted by Keith Anderson, opened with Summon The Dragon, followed by the set test piece, Cornucopia.
After a lovely rendition of Vitae Lux, featuring Robert Wilson (flugel) and principal cornet Caroline Fleming, Boris Pinto (euphonium) took the spotlight with Peter Graham's tricky solo Whirlwind. After a gentle version of I'll Walk With God, Murley concluded with Shine As The Light.
An opening with 'Summon the Dragon was followed with the set-test piece 'Cornucopia', each atmospheric but each unfortunately had their troubles and didn't quite come off as a whole.
'Vitae Lux' was full of Norwegian life whilst the euphonium soloist (Boris Pinto) next to play produced a 'Whirlwind' of a performance.
Continuing with 'I'll walk With God', full of contrast and poise they closed with an invigorating 'Shine as the Light'.
It was a very comprehensive programme well balanced and well delivered.
Sadly, the band could only manage fourth place, but it had been an exhilarating experience for all the players in Murley's first foray into European brass competition.
In true Fivemiletown style, the players still had a great night at the European Party in Atlantic Hall, rubbing shoulders with the celebrities of the brass world.
Sunday was a more relaxed affair with a boat trip along the famous fjords and a wonderful evening of singing in the Alexander Bar.
Many thanks to all those who helped to make Norway 2008 such a great trip - Stephen, Ann and Mark Bloomfield; our conductor Keith Anderson; our sponsor George White; Ciaran O'Hare and Erne Travel; guest players Kieran McBride (Strabane) and Gareth Downey (Laganvale) and tour manager Boris Pinto. A special word also for George 'The Geordie' Liddiard, our guide in Stavanger!
The members of the band would also like to thank their supporters in the community, particularly for financial contributions.
Fundraising efforts included the publication of a souvenir brochure, which was supported by many local businesses.
Copies are still available through Ann Bloomfield (band secretary, contact HYPERLINK "http://www.murleyband.co.uk" www.murleyband.co.uk) as well as a 10-hour sponsored music marathon. This event was held in the Wesleyan Hall in Fivemiletown on Saturday 19th April and music provided ranged from Murley Band (conducted by Keith Anderson), Murley Concert Band (conducted by Lesley Maxwell), Choral singing (directed by Ann Bloomfield), solo piano music by Judith Anderson, Lesley Maxwell and Boris Pinto as well as solo and ensemble brass playing.
Vocal solos were provided by David Robertson and a number of his students from several schools in Enniskillen and Omagh.
The members of Murley would like to thank David and all of the students who performed throughout the afternoon.
The final event in the hall in the evening was a fine piping performance by Cavanaleck pipe band. Murley and Cavanaleck then completed the evening with a massed band parading Fivemiletown. Thanks to the members of Cavanaleck for this support and to the PSNI for traffic control and their assistance during the event.
Fundraising efforts totalled over £7000 of which £315 was received during the street collection on the evening of Saturday 19th April.
