International trombone star David Bremner is set to make the long haul trip from his native New Zealand back to the UK later this year to play with Desford at the National Finals.

Remarkable period

It will round off a remarkable period of high profile activity for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra trombonist.

CD release

His recently released CD has received warm critical response and has in fact sold out on its first print run after reaching number 3 in the New Zealand Classical recordings charts.

It is still in the top 10 four months after its release and has sold in Japan, USA, Europe as well as the UK.

Awe inspiring

One reviewer in the New Zealand Herald newspaper said: "...Its stalking octaves and twitchy chords patrol an expressionist space and the group's ensemble work is awe-inspiring.."

Father and son

David has also recently performed a joint solo concert with his Dad, Trevor, and the St Kilda Brass Band of Dunedin. The concert included many premiers including Anthony Ritchies 'Clouds'.

David told 4BR: "I have performed the piece overseas many times, but never in NZ, and it was great that Anthony was in the audience. Dad also played 'Russulkas Song to the Moon', 'Dance Napolitaine',
and we performed the Duet 'Softly as I leave You'."

I am looking forward to the opportunity to play with this great band again after playing with them at the Nationals last yearDavid Bremner

Great

He added: "It was great to finally perform a joint concert with dad, and play a duet with him. We have talked about it for years, and to have the opportunity was a real privilege and thrill."

The concert just about rounded off six months of tours and contests, with David performing with the National Band tour to World championships in Kerkrade and flying back to Germany to buy a set of German Trombones for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra,

Baton

He also had time to pick up the baton too — leading his Pelorus Wellington Brass on their debut at the New Zealand Championships.

All that is now left before a well earned breather is performing the 'Ferdinand David Concerto' with the New Plymouth Orchestra in
early september, the premier of Ross Harris' 'Trombone Opera' with new music ensemble Stroma and that all important trip to the UK to help Desford at the Albert Hall Nationals in October.

Thrilled

David stated: "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play with this great band again after playing with them at the Nationals last year. I made some great friends in the band, and am looking forward to seeing them again in October."