HP Stangnes started playing trumpet in one of Norway’s many school wind bands as ”every” Norwegian brass players do. He educated in Sweden at the Music Academy in Arvika as student of Arnulf N. Nilsen (co principal in Oslo Philharmonic), and got his first profesional position in Sweden. 

Later he has been playing in several symphony- and opera orchestras as Gothenburg Opera Orchestra, Norwegian Opera Orchestra, Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra and at the National Opera in Helsinki.

Playing natural trumpet HP has played with Anima Eterna, Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, Concerto Copenhagen, Oslo Baroque Orchestra and Norwegian Baroque Orchestra.

From 1999 – 2005 he lived in Finland playing principal trumpet in Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. He is still playing in Finnish Chamber Orchestra and for the last year HP has been playing trumpet in Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

In 1993 he started Nordic Brass Ensemble (www.nordicbrass.org),  an excellent ensemble comprised of leading orchestral players from the finest orchestras in Scandinavia.

Since August 2006 he is principal in Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Norway.