Editorial ~ 2008 February

The Australian Nationals Gala Concert looks certain to be a beauty. But is it?

The Gala Concert at the National Championships in both Australia and New Zealand is often a cause of concern for organisers and bands - for a variety of reasons.

Contest organisers are presented with the challenge of producing the Gala Concert, or NZ Band of the Year, in such a way as to showcase the best the nation has to offer in order to promote 'the cause' to the general public.  A satisfying result would be lots of ticket sales, quality performances, happy bands, a happy audience, and a nice monetary profit for both performers and organisers would be good.

In recent years, the NZ Band of the Year event has struggled somewhat.  Sure there have been some fine bands take part, but generally, the overall quality of performance has suffered.  Suffered because bands who participate in the event need to perform the day after the championship events - and players (and conductors) are often very 'tired'.  To put together a concert program on top of the usual championship preparation is a big ask, requiring a huge commitment, extra time and energy from bands.

This year in Australia, the Gala Concert boasts a fine line-up of performers which is sure to draw the crowd, and be a great show.

But - not a brass band in sight on the list of performers.

Performers include Alaska Brass, a brass ensemble (including trumpets and french horn), the Australian Army Band (Brisbane), a concert band, and Carl Riseley, singer and brass player. 

Chances are the public are going to be happy, the performers most likely will be, the venue will be crowded therefore organisers will be happy.

But, what is the concert doing to promote what the best brass bands in the country have to offer?

The Gala Concert at the Australian Nationals is a once a year opportunity to promote brass bands, as well as the other genres it represents.  This year a brass band could have had the opportunity to play alongside Carl Riseley, The Australian Army Band, and Alaska Brass.  But it would seem this is an opportunity lost.

Though, given the scheduling of the Gala concert, this year on the evening of Easter Friday, one wonders if any of the top brass bands had been invited to perform, would they have accepted the invitation?

What do you think?
Send an email to: du.comments@4barsrest.com

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