Bengt Eklund (centre) receives the ITG Award of Merit in December 2006

The eminent Swedish trumpet player and professor Bengt Eklund died on 30th March. An official release from the Göteborg Brass Band follows:

"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 and was considered one of the foremost pedagogues in Scandinavia and throughout the world’s trumpet community. Many of his former students occupy positions in professional ensembles throughout the world. In 2006 he received the prestigious ‘International Trumpet Guild Award of Merit’ as an acknowledgement of his work and of everything he has done for the trumpet community over the years.

Bengt founded Göteborg Brass Band in 1982 with the intention to bring the culture of brass band to new, exciting places. The band quickly gained an international reputation, participating in orchestral festivals and contests throughout the world. Through continuous work Bengt created respect for this ensemble form within the tradition-bound world of classical and orchestral music. Within five years of its existence the Göteborg Brass Band won the title of 1988 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.

Through their many tours (more than 35!) of countries such as France, Russia, Japan and the USA, Bengt helped spread brass band music to audiences everywhere. His 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.  

Bengt was diagnosed with a serious form of cancer in early 2006. Through his enormous willpower he still managed to conduct in most of Göteborg Brass Band’s concerts, leaving lasting memories to those involved in the band and to the attending audiences.

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

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

Links:
Göteborg Brass Band - home page
Göteborg Brass Band - Bengt Eklund

Related ITG News story:
Bengt Eklund receives ITG Award of Merit

Updated:
31st March with GBB statement