Dommere

Allan Withington has been one of the world’s leading band conductors over the last 35 years leading some top-class ensembles to artistic and competition success. He has received many awards for his work throughout an array of different countries. In addition, he was a member of the trumpet section of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Norway for 40 years. 

With the same orchestra, and over a period of ten years, he created a large selection of family concerts concentrating on the ‘cross over’ element of the different cultural organisations available in a very culturally alert Bergen. Here, his message has always been to entertain, enlighten and inform three different generations of orchestral concert going audiences. He has either conducted, written or produced these concerts and often been responsible for the whole process.

He has also written historically based musicals for small orchestral ensemble, choir and dance groups which have been performed as out-door spectaculars in the South-West of France.

In June 2018, his one-hour long dance performance based on the life of Coco Chanel, was premiered at the Bergen International Festival. The show was narrated and presented by two ‘life size puppets’ as they parodied two Swiss Bankers.

“Il Maestro – in the name of Art” was written during the pandemic lock-down and was premiered in May 2021 in Stavanger. This time he took to the stage as both composer, soloist and actor himself. In collaboration with three contemporary dancers, they explored leadership and how it can be misused.

His latest show was performed by Carlton Maine Frickley Colliery Band at the Brass in Concert at the Sage Concert Hall in Gateshead. This show was based on the life of Anna Franck during World War 2.

September 2024, Allan is conducting Stavanger Symphony Orchestra in 5 concerts featuring the “Sustain” group. Through a one-hour long show, they explore, criticise and enlighten the sustainability of Planet Earth.

He has conducted and recorded with the Norwegian contemporary music ensemble Bit 20 and directed Sjøforsvarets Musikkorps, the professional military band based in Bergen, Norway on various occasions.

Various professional engagements around Europe have included an appearance as conductor with the brass and percussion section of Tonhalle Orchestra, Zurich, in a spectacular Christmas concert.

In addition, Allan leads his own International Conductors’ Summer school in Leeuwarden, Holland.

He has a deep-seated desire and passion to create and perform new ideas or simply re-tell old tales in a new light.

His appearances as conductor for the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in his own productions have given him exposure to a wide variety of musical styles. From a full programme of music to celebrate the anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to a programme of contemporary music featuring composers John Adams and Michael Doherty. Dance music has become an important part of his repertoire and he has conducted Classical ballet, Riverdance and Contemporary dance with the Bergen based dance company Carte Blanche. Light classics and the many arrangements, featured in Allan’s concert productions, have provided a great base from which to expand his repertoire. Many years as a professional player gives him a great understanding of the workings of an orchestra and the usually limited rehearsal time associated with these events suits Allan’s effective and efficient way of working.At the moment, he is professional conductor of the Carlton Maine Frickley Colliery Band, England, chief-conductor of Manger Musikklag, Norway and musical adviser for the Valaisia Brass Band, Switzerland.