*
banner

Contrasts in Brass

National Band of New Zealand
New Zealand Army Band
Conductors: David Bremner; Staff Sergeant David Fiu LRSM
James Hay Theatre
Christchurch Town Hall
Sunday 18th July


The title of this splendid concert held to round off the 2021 New Zealand National Championships was in part a metaphorical message of hope to the rest of the banding world.

With the country emerging successfully from the Covid-19 pandemic, the weekend was held in an atmosphere of inclusion (with an absence of social distancing measures for performers and audiences alike) and encouragement – from the high quality individual competitions to the displays of excellence in each of the Grade contests.

Not lost

That was not lost on those packed into the James Hay Theatre (or listening thanks to the livestream broadcast) when the New Zealand Army Band finished off their second half set with ‘Bridge over Troubled Waters’

Others around the globe are still being battered by tempestuous Covid waves.

Confident virtuosity from soloists Mike Ford, Steven Miles and Luke Spence, were balanced with items by Stijn Aertgeerts, Chick Correa and Leonard Cohen, with the highlight a ‘Brigand Orgy’ full of scurrilous vagabonds and brassy Berlioz mischief.

This though was music making that sailed above the squall with typical Kiwi fortitude and intelligence – the National Band, led by a relaxed David Bremner offering a first half of well-chosen repertoire from a neatly paced Widow’s  ‘Toccata’  through to the precisely placed quaver pick-up tread of the marching Roman legionaries in  ‘The Pines of Rome’.

Confident virtuosity from soloists Mike Ford, Steven Miles and Luke Spence, were balanced with items by Stijn Aertgeerts, Chick Correa and Leonard Cohen, with the highlight a  ‘Brigand Orgy’  full of scurrilous vagabonds and brassy Berlioz mischief.

Contrasts

The contrasts from the New Zealand Army Band were equally polished (their ranks including seven members of the National Band).  

A Big band  ‘All Night’  thumper from Lionel Ritchie to  ‘Black Dog’  blues via Frank Sinatra, ‘Wicked’, Simon & Garfunkel and a ‘Kiwi-ana’ medley were played and sung with stylish character.   

The audience would have stayed all afternoon for more, whilst the rest of the banding world would have simply been thrilled to have experienced a part of it first-hand for themselves.

Iwan Fox 

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented players to fill the following vacancies, in order to strengthen their line up: SOLO CORNETS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: FLUGELHORN. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Olney Brass

July 10 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented . player to fill the following vacancy, in order . to strengthen their line up: SOPRANO CORNET. . We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section . band, with a variety of contests, concerts & . community events annually.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd