Australian Champion, Brisbane Excelsior has confirmed that they will travel to Wellington in April to compete at the 2017 New Zealand National Championships.
However, as a direct result of the decision, the band will not defend their Australian National title in Launceston which is due to take place just a week before the event.
Heavyweight champions
XLCR has won the Australian Championship eight times in the last twelve years, but were pipped to the title in 2015 in Sydney by Wellington Brass, the current New Zealand National Champion.
Now a clash of the two undisputed heavyweight champions of the southern hemisphere is to take place again, adding an extra level of competitive spirit to the oldest National Championship contest in the banding world, and one at which Wellington, in their home city, is hoping to become the first band to win for a record fifth time in a row.
Too good to miss
XLCR has also already bagged two New Zealand National title in the last decade, so little wonder Band President Gareth Lawless told 4BR that the opportunity was too good to miss.
"Our decision does mean that we cannot defend our Australian title this year, but the band felt that by travelling to Wellington we could play our part in what could be one of the most memorable contests in southern hemisphere banding of recent times.
Wellington has a world class concert hall and the exemplary organisation of New Zealand contesting also makes it such an attractive option. When you add in the friendly rivalry with a number of the top New Zealand bands the trip truly becomes a mouth-watering prospect."
the band felt that by travelling to Wellington we could play our part in what could be one of the most memorable contests in southern hemisphere banding of recent timesBrisbane Excelsior Band President Gareth Lawless
Lock horns
Meanwhile, Musical Director, Howard Taylor cannot wait to lock horns once more with the best New Zealand bands: "I've been looking forward to returning with XLCR for many years now. I hope we can recreate that special magic from 10 years ago after a double win at the contest in 2007 and 2008."
Helping them in their assault will be Leyland Band Principal Cornet Iain Culross, who will replace principal cornet Paula Russell who is unable to join the band on their championship quest as she is recovering from a long term injury. Iain will also be leading workshops and teaching privately on his trip.
Brisbane XLCR has already been preparing for their visit by recording two new CDs with award winning local choirs and undertaking their own concert series.
