Australian National Champion, Brisbane Excelsior is to fly to China for seven days after being invited to represent their nation at the prestigious Shanghai Music Festival.

The global event attracts star performers, groups and ensembles from all over the world and is watched by some 500 million television viewers in China alone.

Performances

The band will perform a ‘diagram marching display’ at the opening parade, which includes performances by representatives from the UK and USA to India and Brunei, as well as three high profile concerts under MD Howard Taylor.

Fantastic opportunity

Band President Gareth Lawless told 4BR: "This is a fantastic opportunity to take the band overseas for the first time since 2009.

It’s also important for Brisbane to continue to search for new and exciting projects and to be invited by the Chinese to represent Australia is a huge honour."

On their return, the travelling continues with a weekend of workshops and a gala concert in Bundaberg, 400km north of their home city, whilst in November, Excelsior joins other local performers in a concert featuring trumpet legend, James Morrison.

Exciting time

Gareth added: "This is a very exciting as well as busy time for the band — from performances in Shanghai and Bundaberg to a great concert with James Morrison.

It gives the band huge exposure and prepares us nicely for what I’m sure is to be an even busier 2015 under Howard’s baton.”

Sydney hat trick

Part of those 2015 plans will no doubt be their attempt to complete a second hat-trick and add a ninth Australian title in eleven years at the Australian National Championships, which will be held in Sydney in April.

It’s also important for Brisbane to continue to search for new and exciting projects and to be invited by the Chinese to represent Australia is a huge honourBand President Gareth Lawless

Stepping down

Finally, commenting on a recent management change at XLCR, Gareth concluded: "This year Rick Casagrande stepped down as President to focus on other projects, and we must give our thanks to his hard work over the years.

Rick has been instrumental in changing the direction and profile of the band, which has gone on to earn so much success domestically and internationally. We are delighted though that he will stay with the band, continuing to play in the bass section."