Tim Hagans and Örjan Fahlström - on stage with Norrbotten Big Band

Once upon a time, they were a military band, located in Boden, with the main task of playing fanfare when commanders had business in the area. But then conductor, composer and arranger Örjan Fahlström took over the leadership and the early 80s came to be the time for Norrbotten Big Band's turnaround.

Now challenging music was written for the orchestra, a strict rehearsal schedule was established, pressure was put on the musicians for presence and delivery at a high level. And suddenly a powerful big band arose that put Norrland on Sweden's music map!

- It was an extremely rewarding time. I saw great potential in the orchestra with so many young musicians and promising soloists hungry for new music. Later we moved to Luleå and had the chance to meet a larger audience. There we ended up in the same premises as the Norrbottensteatern and a fantastic time ensued, says Örjan Fahlström.

The band continued to be successful and the next man on the desk was the American trumpeter Tim Hagans. The year was 1996 and the world opened up to the band. Now tours were organized in the USA and famous guests joined the band. Hagans tells us from the USA:

- My biggest goal was to bring Norrbotten Big Band's music outside Sweden's borders. I enjoyed every moment with the incredible musicians, both on and off stage. As well as getting to meet the smiling, knowledgeable audience. Their appreciation and enthusiasm was truly inspiring. Also producer Mirka Siwek was a key person for many years, without her it would never have become what it was. The whole thing was a magnificent experience.

So now Fahlström and Hagans will once again compose each piece for the band. We dare to promise exciting music at a sky-high level. And if we're really lucky, we also get to enjoy them both as instrumentalists there on stage as well. At least that's the rumor...

Örjan Fahlström is born in the area, vibraphonist and lecturer in composition at the Academy of Music in Stockholm.

Tim Hagans is an American trumpet player with numerous famous collaborations and a high number of Grammy nominations on his CV.
 

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