Flying visit to Sweden!
Many of you will know that I first started my playing career in the ranks of the Young People's Band of the Salvation Army in Sheffield Citadel. I gained valuable experience as a member of the band so when the opportunity arose to visit one of Sweden's finest Salvation Army bands, I made sure I had space in my diary for the trip.
Sodertalje Salvation Army Band (cond. Alex Hanson)
This was the first time I had visited Sweden and my stay was based around the picturesque but extremely cold city of Stockholm. The first port of call was by invitation of Mr. Lars Westergren, bass trombone player with the Royal Court Orchestra. Lars owns a very fine specialist music shop in the centre of Stockholm, 'Brass Specialisten' and took the opportunity to arrange a trombone day, rather like our BTS activities in the UK, which gave trombonists the opportunity to try and test a huge variety of new trombones. The day proved very successful with over 50 trombonists visiting the shop trying and experimenting with new models from Besson, Shires, Rath, Conn and Bach.
The day's activities rounded off with an informal concert given by myself and trombone players from some of Sweden's finest orchestra's; Karl Frisendal (Principal trombone Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra), Niklas Almgren (Co-Principal trombone Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra), Mikael Oscarsson (Principal Trombone Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra), Lars Westergren (Bass Trombone Royal Court Orchestra). Music included solo pieces and quartets by Leonard Bernstein, Tommy Pederson, J.P. Sousa and Allen Vizzutti.
Impromptu concert at 'Brass Specialisten' in Stockholm. From l to r: Kalle Frisendahl - principal trombone Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Nick Hudson - Besson artist, Niklas Almgren - co-principal trombone Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Lars Westergren - bass trombone Royal Stockholm Opera Orchestra.
Kalle Frisendahl - Principal Trombone Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Mikael Oscarsson - Principal Trombone Swedish Radio Symphony OrchestraThe following day took me to the Royal Academy of Music to conduct a workshop for the trombone players. We enjoyed a very constructive session discussing various approaches to basic elements of playing and concluded the session with a massed trombone blow using music by Wagner, Sousa and Lynn. I was impressed with the standard of playing at the college, all the students being very much in control of their instrument and producing fine sounds. No doubt due in part to the expert tuition of a certain Christian Lindberg!
In rehearsal in Sodertalje
The main reason for my visit to Sweden was to take part in a Salvation Army festival 40 kilometers south of Stockholm in the industrial town of Sodertalje. The corps band at Sodertalje is fortunate in having the expert guidance of one of Stockholm's finest freelance trumpeters, Alex Hanson. Alex recently took over as bandmaster when his father Torgny retired. Alex did an excellent job rehearsing and guiding his team through some of the difficulties of the Salvation Army repertoire. We had a very enjoyable time rehearsing for the festival which included Ray Steadman-Allen's fabulous piece 'The Eternal Quest', Peter Graham's 'The Guardian', Robert Redhead's, 'Just Whisper a Little Prayer' and Don Morrison's 'Consecration'.
In action with Alex and the band
The concert was very well attended and managed to raise funds for the Salvation Army's valuable work in Sweden. My visit, although brief, was extremely enjoyable and the hospitality shown by the Swedish people was very much appreciated.
Enjoying 'Fika' with Torgny
and Alex HansonIf you would like to find out more information about the Sodertalje Salvation Army Band and the corps activities in Sweden, visit their Web site at http://hem.passagen.se/frals/frals.htm
