New Zealand cornet player Kevin Hickman has been awarded first prize in the Night of the Opera evening at the 2010 Federation of Australasian Brass Bands (FABB) Yamaha Australasian Open Brass Festival, being held at Tweed Heads, Coolangatta this weekend.
Principal cornet for Woolston Brass from Christchurch, Kevin played Ave Maria from Euridice by Giulio Caccini arranged by Sandy Smith.
The evening included performances of famous Aria's from some of Australasia's finest brass soloists, and was adjudicated by Professor David King and David Horsfield
Special commendation was given to Phil Johnston also from Christchurch and Paula Russell from Brisbane.
The Yamaha Australasian Open Championship (Test Piece) was held yesterday, and the Yamaha Australasian Entertainment Championship continues later today with 10 of Australasia's top bands competing for $10,000 in prizemoney.