The Staff Band of the Norwegian Armed Forces is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 200 years. The band was founded in 1818 and has since become one of the most respected military bands in the world. The band is made up of highly skilled musicians who are all members of the Norwegian Armed Forces. The Staff Band of the Norwegian Armed Forces has had many members over the years, but some of the most notable include conductor and composer Johan Halvorsen, who served as the band's conductor from 1890 to 1923, and composer and arranger Bjørn Morten Christophersen, who has been a member of the band since 1987. The band has performed at many major events over the years, including the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the opening ceremony of the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, and the 100th anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution. The band has also performed at many international events, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Australia. One of the band's most notable performances was at the funeral of King Olav V of Norway in 1991. The band played a moving rendition of the Norwegian national anthem, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet," as the king's coffin was carried out of Oslo Cathedral. The Staff Band of the Norwegian Armed Forces has also won many awards over the years. In 2015, the band won the prestigious Norwegian Grammy Award for Best Classical Album for their album "Nordic Highlights." The album features a collection of classical music from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. In addition to their classical music performances, the band also performs a wide range of other genres, including jazz, pop, and rock. The band has collaborated with many well-known artists over the years, including Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebø and American jazz musician Bob Mintzer. The band's current conductor is Major Ole Kristian Ruud, who has been with the band since 2015. Ruud is a highly respected conductor and has worked with many orchestras and ensembles around the world. The Staff Band of the Norwegian Armed Forces is a true national treasure and has played an important role in Norwegian culture for over two centuries. The band's dedication to excellence and their commitment to preserving and promoting classical music has made them one of the most respected military bands in the world.

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