Brønnøysund Musikkorps

Brønnøysund Musikkorps (BMK) is an amateur wind band based in Brønnøysund, Norway. Founded on 24 November 1894, it is one of the town's oldest cultural institutions and today has around 40–50 members. The band describes itself as a traditional janitsjar (concert band) and operates under the motto 'Korps for folk' ('A band for the people'). BMK is best known for organising the Torghattfestivalen, a music festival held every other June in Brønnøysund. The festival has been a recurring event for decades, with editions in 2017, 2019, and a planned edition in 2027. In addition to the festival, the band performs regularly at local celebrations such as 1 May (Labour Day), 17 May (Constitution Day), and the lighting of the Christmas tree on the first Sunday of Advent. Beyond its regular duties, BMK has undertaken numerous ambitious projects involving collaborations with soloists, choirs, and bands. These have included themed concerts such as 'Fields of Gold' (2013), 'Rat Pack' (2015), and 'Hits from the 80s' (2011), as well as international tours to Spain (2016) and Italy (2018). The band also has a tradition of church concerts in Brønnøy Church, often performed with organ accompaniment. BMK owns its own rehearsal and social facility, known as 'BMK-brakka'. The band is led by conductor Hans Kristian Edvardsen. It remains an active and central part of the cultural life in Brønnøysund and the surrounding region.

Brønnøysund Musikkorps was founded on 24 November 1894, making it one of the oldest continuously operating amateur wind bands in Norway. From its early years, the band established itself as a central part of local ceremonies and celebrations in Brønnøysund, a coastal town in Nordland county. Over the 20th century, BMK evolved from a traditional marching and concert band into a versatile ensemble that regularly collaborates with professional soloists, choirs, and bands. The band's motto, 'Korps for folk' ('A band for the people'), reflects its commitment to serving the community through music. A major turning point was the establishment of the Torghattfestivalen, a biennial music festival held in June. The festival has become BMK's signature event, attracting audiences from the region and beyond. It has been held in various years, including 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019, with the next edition planned for 2027. In recent decades, BMK has undertaken numerous ambitious themed projects. These include 'Lipstick on Your Collar' (1999), 'James Bond' (2000), 'Total Balalaika' (2003), 'Lipstick – fra rockens barndom' (2004), '¡Escucha!' (2007), 'Verden i Brønnøy' (2009), 'Hits from the 80s' (2011), 'Fields of Gold' (2013), 'Rat Pack' (2015), and international tours to Spain (2016) and Italy (2018). The band has also maintained a tradition of church concerts in Brønnøy Church, often featuring classical repertoire with organ accompaniment. BMK owns its own facility, 'BMK-brakka', which serves as a rehearsal space and social hub. The band is currently conducted by Hans Kristian Edvardsen and continues to be an active force in the cultural life of Brønnøysund.

• 2018

  Italy tour to Tuscany with concerts in Vicchio, Florence, and Torrita di Siena.

• 2017

  Torghattfestivalen held.

• 2016

  Spain tour with concerts in Calella, Montserrat, Pineda de Mar, and Barcelona.

• 2015

  'Rat Pack' concerts in April in Brønnøysund, Vega, and at Torghattfestivalen.

• 2013

  'Fields of Gold' concerts in Brønnøysund, Vega, and at Torghattfestivalen.

• 2011

  'Hits from the 80s' 25th anniversary concert for Torghattfestivalen; church concert.

• 2010

  Church concert in Brønnøy Church.

• 2009

  'Verden i Brønnøy' world music concert at Torghattfestivalen; church concert in Brønnøy Church.

• 2007

  '¡Escucha!' Latin American project at Torghattfestivalen.

• 2006

  Musical concert in April; 'Minnenas Hotell' concert in November with Gunnar Pedersen and guests.

• 2005

  Collaboration with Jonas Knutsson Quartet in August; 'Lipstick' at Torghattfestivalen.

• 2004

  Projects 'Änglar' and 'Lipstick – fra rockens barndom' performed.

• 2003

  Project 'Total Balalaika' performed.

• 2001

  Project 'På loffen i Astrid Lindgrens verden' performed.

• 2000

  Project 'James Bond' performed.

• 1999

  Project 'Lipstick on Your Collar' performed.

• 1894

  Brønnøysund Musikkorps founded on 24 November.

• Next Torghattfestivalen planned for June.

Community-based amateur wind band with a tradition of innovative collaborations and local festival organisation.

Product categories. Concert performances · Music festival organisation · Church concerts · Themed concert projects

1. 1BMK official websitebmk.no
2. 2Brønnøysund Musikkorps - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Brønnøysund Musikkorps - Wikipedia (Norwegian)no.wikipedia.org