*
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    


wright and round

Wright & Round: The Circle of Life (Elton John & Tim Rice arr. Philip Harper)

August 19 • One of the great Disney songs brought to 'life' by Philip Harper.


Vertommen

Vertommen takes on new role in Leuven

August 19 • Dr. Luc Vertommen becomes the new Head of Band Conducting at Luca School of Arts in Leuven.


Hinnerup

Rising Stars celebrate 10th anniversary in Hinnerup

August 19 • The 10th anniversary of the Hinnerup Gardens Summer School has just been celebrated in Denmark.


Buckley

The Wynne winning formula celebrated by Royal Buckley

August 19 • John Wynne's 60 years of outstanding commitment and dedication to Royal Buckley Band has been marked by the band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band are looking for brass and percussion players to join their new concert band who will be making music for the good folk in London, without the pressure of contesting.


Marconi Brass

August 15 • We are looking for a cornet to join our friendly, ambitious second section band under the baton of our Musical Director, Jonathan Crowhurst. Based in Rochester, Kent, we rehearse on a Monday evening at Holcombe Hockey Club, 19:45-21:30.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd