*
banner

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with David Bremner

We chat to the New Zealand trombone star and conductor about his appearance at the festival as a soloist and at the helm with Brighouse & Rastrick.

David Bremner
  David Bremner will be conducting Brighouse & Rastrick Band

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

The 2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival is brought to a close on Sunday evening at 6.30pm with the appearance of Brighouse & Rastrick Band under the direction of New Zealand conductor David Bremner.

They bring an enticing programme of repertoire that straddles both hemispheres of the banding globe.

Two hemispheres

Works by Dani Howard and Liz Lane sit alongside Edward Gregson's 'Rococo Variations' and the Elgarian sentiments of the Denis Wright 'Cornet Concerto' played by principal cornet Tom Smith in representing the north, whilst engaging works by John Psathas, Estella Wallace, Gareth Farr and Paul Terracini proudly fly the AnZac musical colours.

Find out more

We caught up with David to find out more about the music being played… but first asked him about if the RNCM Festival makes a significant mark on the antipodean banding movement.

Tickets and programme

Tickets: https://www.rncm.ac.uk/basket/?instance_id=17401

Brighouse & Rastrick Band
Conductor: David Bremner
Soloist: Tom Smith

Programme:
Warp and Weft (Dani Howard)
Cornet Concerto (Denis Wright0
Silver Rose (Liz Lane)
Rococo Variations (Edward Gregson)
Saxon (John Psathas)
Ka mate te reo i te reaka kotahi (Estella Wallace trans. David Bremner)
Waipiro (Gareth Farr)
Gegensatze (Paul Terracini)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Perth

Result: 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge

November 22 • Unite Scotland Kinneil claims victory in Perth.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB Conducting Final to showcase exceptional entrants

November 22 • The final of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain bi-annual Young Conductors' Competition is set to be to feature a quartet of outstanding talent.


BBSS

New era for Brass Band Summer School

November 22 • Wycliffe College in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire is to be the new home of the Brass Band Summer School as it prepares for 40th anniversary.


BBE insurance

Tailored insurance for BBE members

November 22 • Brass Band England is offering the opportunity for its member bands to enjoy bespoke insurance for people, instruments and assets.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Tintwistle Band

November 21 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass player to join our engine room and help to complete the team.. We are currently in the second section, enjoy all year round concert and contest engagements, and also the odd social event.


Harrogate Band

November 20 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a Euphonium to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Harrogate Band

November 20 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a Principal Cornet to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd