OBG Brass - Oldies but Goodies

OBG Brass Band
Conductor: Stanley Westh

OBG Brass was founded in 2004 by former members of Lyngby-Taarbæk Brass Band and Concord Brass Band who wished to continue playing at a high artistic level, yet without the overriding ambition of competing at the Danish National Championships alongside Denmark’s leading brass bands. From the outset, the ensemble appointed Kasper Smedegaard Thaarup – principal bass trombonist with the Royal Danish Orchestra – as its conductor.

OBG stands for “Oldies But Goodies” – a playful reference to the fact that although the average age has risen slightly over the years, the ensemble continues to deliver music of a high standard. Even when taking part in smaller, unofficial and friendly music festivals, the band consistently receives excellent comments and results.

Presenting four to six concerts each year – including its traditional Christmas concerts at Gl. Bio in Fredensborg and Skelgård’s Church in Kastrup – the ensemble offers a wide-ranging repertoire spanning both Danish and international composers and arrangers. Its programmes blend the classic British brass band tradition with imaginative arrangements of more recent works.

The band is privileged to have Stanley Westh as its conductor. Alongside his work as a cornet player and deputy conductor with the Royal Life Guards Music Band, he performs as soprano cornet with Concord Brass Band and also serves as conductor of one of Denmark’s most promising younger ensembles, Dania Brass Band. In addition, Stanley has appeared frequently as a soloist, both in Denmark and internationally.

This evening’s concert offers a nostalgic retrospective of the orchestra’s first 22 years.