Yesterday evening, ten players performed in the opening major event of the 2010 New Zealand Championships, being held in Dunedin.

The invitees in The Simon Hocking House of Travel Invitation Slow Melody competed for the Kevin Jarrett Cup. It was quite fitting that the man himself, “Mr Brass Bands”, who is well known for his love of a good melody should be given the honour of presenting the cup to the eventual winner, Riki McDonnell.

Results

1. Riki McDonnell, Euphonium
2. Phil Johnston, Bb Bass
3. Tyme Marsters, Flugel

While there were no overseas stars to add some spice to the evening, there were some safe and sound Kiwi performances interspersed with the odd ex Brit.

Accompaniment

A couple of performances went outside the normal piano accompaniment and this included guitar in one performance and vibraphone with brass quartet in another. The adjudicators — David Gallagher, Kevin Dell and Barrie Gott chose to place the more traditional performances.

Gasp

Riki McDonnell played a sublime and truly polished old favourite in My Love is Like a Red Red Rose with sensitive accompaniment from Wellington pianist Penny Brown. A small gasp and long warm applause was deserved.

Invitees

Other soloists were Davey Boyes, Mark Davey, Andrew Leech, John Lewis, Leigh Martin, Kay McKenzie and Mitchel Spence.

The championships continue until Sunday 11 July.