After six highly successful years working in New Zealand, conductor and cornet player Harmen Vanhoorne has told 4BR that he will return home in April.

It will mark the start of a new musical chapter for the Belgian musician after he left an indelible mark of southern hemisphere banding through his artistic contribution to its banding culture.

North Shore rejuvenation

During his time in New Zealand he spearheaded a rejuvenation of Championship Section North Shore Brass in Auckland both on and off the contest platform — securing podium finishes at the National Championships in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The band also retained the Auckland Band Association title under his direction from 2022 to 2025.

His work as a soloist, educator, and artistic leader brought a new era of openness, fun, (including his famous sneakers and colour co-ordinated shoes) and creativity to the deeply rooted traditions of Kiwi banding culture.

Acclaim

Under his baton, North Shore gained critical acclaim for its ambitious and innovative projects, education commitments and promotion of a long term strategy of inclusive with a new generation of performers from the Auckland region.

He has taught at Kings College, one of the country's leading schools where he also left a lasting impact.

Final performances

His final performances include the Australian National Championships as principal cornet with Sydney City Brass, followed by the New Zealand National Championships leading North Shore Brass.

His final performances include the Australian National Championships as principal cornet with Sydney City Brass, followed by the New Zealand National Championships leading North Shore Brass4BR

Greatly missed

Speaking about the contribution he has made to the wider banding community in New Zealand, David Bremner, conductor of Wellington Brass and the National Band of New Zealand told 4BR: "Harmen has made such a positive contribution to banding in this country — from his teaching of the next generation of brass players to his inspirational work with North Shore Brass and many bands around the country. He is going to be greatly missed.

He added: "He was an outstanding principal cornet of the National Band of NZ, and I would imagine every band in the country has been inspired and influenced by his world class playing and musicianship.

I hope it is not long until he is back on our shores sharing his playing, conducting, teaching and blue shoes with us again."