Göteborg Brass Band

The termination of Göteborg Brass Band

Bengt Eklund founded Göteborg Brass Band in 1982. From the very beginning the band has consisted of an assortment of music students, professional musicians and skilful amateurs. The band quickly gained an international reputation, participating in orchestral festivals and contests throughout the world. In 1988 and within five years of its existence Göteborg Brass Band won the title of World Champion Band while on tour in Australia. The band has held the position of Swedish Champions for many years, and won the New Zealand Championship in 2005.

Bengt Eklund’s intention in forming Göteborg Brass Band was to bring the culture of brass band to new, exciting places. Through his insistence on perfection in ensemble playing and performance Göteborg Brass Band has gained respect and admiration, not only within brass band circles, but throughout the entire music world. During the many tours abroad (more than 35), including countries such as France, Russia, USA and Japan, Bengt and Göteborg Brass Band helped spread brass band music to audiences everywhere. Bengt’s insight into the musical potential of the band and his students provided the perfect training for young players throughout the 25 years of the band’s existence.

As a result of Bengt passing away Göteborg Brass Band is facing a difficult future as we would have to find a new leader to replace him. On top of that we are also facing a shrinking market of brass players. During the last years it has been harder and harder to find skilful members willing to commit to Göteborg Brass Band’s busy schedule and the situation is now impossible to overcome. The 24th of February 2007 a meeting was held where the members together with Bengt and the board decided on the termination of the band after this season. The 25 year long story of Göteborg Brass Band ends with Bengt Eklund - Bengt is Göteborg Brass Band and Göteborg Brass Band is Bengt and the band rise and fall with him.

We would like to express our gratitude to all people that have been involved with Göteborg Brass Band during the years; everyone has a part in making the band the success that it is.

Göteborg Brass Band’s last appearance was at the European Championships the 5th of May 2007 in Birmingham, conducted by Dr. Nicholas Childs. A new CD was recorded during the stay in England and this will be released during 2007 as a memory of and a tribute to Göteborg Brass Band and Bengt Eklund.

Obituary – Professor Bengt Eklund

It is with great sorrow that Göteborg Brass Band announces the death of their Founder and Musical Director, Professor Bengt Eklund, aged 63 years.

Bengt Eklund was Professor of Trumpet, Chamber Music and Instrumental Methods at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg and Professor of Trumpet at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. He held trumpet positions in Gävle Symphony Orchestra, Aarhus Symphony Orchestra and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. He is considered one of the foremost pedagogues throughout Scandinavia and the world’s brass community.

Bengt will be remembered as a modern man – he was always interested in the latest trends. In his daily work this was reflected by the fact that he adopted the most recent pedagogic currents and research into a unique, evolving pedagogic approach that has helped many brass students to grow into fine musicians. His never ending strive for musical development and perfection has doubtlessly contributed to the progress of the brass community. Many of his former students occupy positions in professional ensembles throughout the world.

In 2006, Bengt received the prestigious ITG Award of Merit. It is given to those individuals who have made substantial contributions to the art of trumpet playing through performance, teaching, publishing, research, compositions, and support of the goals of the International Trumpet Guild. The award was an acknowledgement to his work and to everything that he has done for the trumpet community over the years.

Since the begining of 2006 Bengt was battling a very serious form of cancer. Through his enormous willpower he still managed to conduct in most of Göteborg Brass Band’s concerts, leaving untouchable memories to those involved with the band and to the audience attending these concerts. In December 2006 a great celebration was held to honour him and several hundreds of guests came to thank him for everything that he has ment to them.

In his lifetime Bengt touched the hearts of many people through his intuitive teaching and his committed spirit. We have all lost an inspiring leader and great friend; he will be sadly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to meet him.

Our thoughts go out to his family and to all his close friends at this difficult time.