Euphonium soloist Byron Newton has just given the premiere of a brand new work by renowned New Zealand composer Anthony Ritchie.

'Buzz' as he is known around the banding world, performed his 'Concerto for Euphonium' in Wellington accompanied by the dual New Zealand and Australian National Champion Band, Wellington Brass.

Original works

The concert also featured original brass band works by New Zealand composers, including John Ritchie (Anthony's father), Dean Goffin, Kenneth Young, John Rimmer and Thomas Rive.

Wellington's Musical Director and Principal Trombonist of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, David Bremner was featured in the premiere Anthony Ritchie's 'Clouds'.

Commission

The concerto is Ritchie's second major work for the instrument, following his earlier 'Triptych for Euphonium and Piano' which was commissioned by Newton for his final Masters recital at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2012 — for which he received the first ever 100% mark.

The concerto, which is in four movements was commissioned by the former Tredegar euphonium star with the help of Creative NZ — the Arts Council of New Zealand4BR

Creative NZ

The concerto, which is in four movements ('Noir', 'Scherzo', 'In Memoriam', 'Dance') was commissioned by the former Tredegar euphonium star with the help of Creative NZ — the Arts Council of New Zealand.

A wind band arrangement of the concerto will also be premiered by Byron in June with the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band.