The Cory Band has announced a major signing coup for 2026 with the news that Kyle Lawson is to become their new principal cornet.

Currently serving as a musician with the New Zealand Army Band, whom he has played for since 2012, he will make the move on relocating to the UK in the New Year.

Introduction

A three time senior Cornet Champion of New Zealand and Australian Open Cornet Champion, he was recently awarded the 'Best Principal Cornet' accolade at the New Zealand National Championships, whilst his debut solo CD release, 'Introduction' was nominated in the Solo CD of the Year category of the 2025 4BR Awards.

However, he will not require an introduction to audiences in the UK, having previously enjoying successful principal cornet tenures at Fairey and Brighouse & Rastrick Bands when studying at the University of Salford.

Excellence

He has since gone on to enjoy a musical career that has combined academic excellence with extensive professional performance experience at the very highest level. He is now acknowledged as one of the finest southern hemisphere cornet players of his generation.

His development as a player has been closely associated with mentorship and guidance of Professor David King as well as the support of New Zealand arts patron Dame Adrienne Stewart.

Huge honour

Speaking about his forthcoming move Kyle commented: "I'm really excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Cory Band as principal cornet.

It's a huge honour to be trusted with the seat, and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and being part of the band's next chapter."

Pedigree

In welcoming him to the band, a delighted MD, Musical Director, Philip Harper told 4BR: "Kyle is an outstanding musician with an international pedigree of experience at the very top of the brass band world.

Combined with his professionalism and musical integrity, it makes him an exceptional appointment that reflects Cory's continued commitment to excellence and its ambition to remain at the forefront of brass band performance on the concert stage and in major competitions worldwide."