Why Aussie???
Over the past 4 years conducting the National Band of NZ, we have had our fair share of disruptions! Every time we felt we were getting back to some sense of normality, another tour was cancelled because of COVID-19. Whilst it was frustrating, it was nothing compared to those out of work, sick or struggling with the long-term issues that a pandemic can serve up.
So I wanted to put something on the horizon that the members of the band could work towards and look forward to. A few of us sat down and talked about a destination that would suit in the current environment, and I only had one place in mind - Australia.
Musical Director David Bremner rehearsing the National Band in 2020
Over the years, Australia has been a home away from home. My brother Mark moved to Brisbane 23 years ago, another brother Fraser lived there for 3 years and my parents had a good stint there as well, so its always been a place I have visited and loved. It also has a wonderfully diverse musical landscape, wonderful orchestras, strong brass bands, and one of my favourite jazz musicians on the planet - James Morrison.
So 70 years after the National Band’s first tour overseas, this current crop of New Zealand’s finest embarks on a landmark tour that sees us share the stage with world-class soloists, and to show Aussie audiences why this band is world-class.
I am incredibly proud of this group, and looking forward to the tour for many reasons, but a couple that stand out for me. Firstly, through everything the pandemic threw at the band, we kept going. We performed concerts, recorded music with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and our performances are regularly played on Radio New Zealand Concert. So this trip is an extension of all that hard work that our Manager, Garth Coffey, and the players have put in to keeping the momentum going.
Secondly, we are touring with two superstar trumpet players. For our Melbourne concert, we have the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Trumpet, Owen Morris, who will wow the audience with his solos. And the incredible international trumpet soloist, Phil Cobb. Phil is no stranger to Australian audiences, and I know he is going to be a huge hit on this tour. We can’t wait to share the stage with both of these wonderful musicians.
And thirdly, many of us in the band have been going to Australia Band contests for years and it’s always a real hoot. After all those years of competing at these events, it will be great to bring the National Band over to our friends across the ditch and showcase the cumulative power of brass banding in New Zealand
Whatever the motivation for the members, this tour is going to be special, and I really hope that the brass and percussion community in Australia get behind our tour and we look forward to seeing them at our concerts.
