2009 National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand

Musical Director: Kevin Moseley QSM
Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland
18 July 2009

The Bruce Mason Centre on Auckland’s north shore may have been a bit chilly on 18 July but an audience of several hundred quickly warmed to the talents of the 2009 National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand under the baton of Musical Director, Kevin Moseley QSM. 

Favourite pieces can be subjective; Sparke’s Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud) was a shoe in at the farewell concert by New Zealand’s finest young brass players.  Delightfully framed by compere Jamie Ford with images of the first European settlers, this exciting composition stands well against much younger works, and the Band played with vigour, style, and complete confidence of tempii.

Kay McKenzie’s strong work on the soprano sat so well on the Band, and her rendition of Flowerdale (Sparke) was elegant, thoughtful and musically presented.

Buglers’ Holiday (Anderson) is a must play for any solo cornet bench and with Bede Williams in the principal chair, solo cornets Rhys McDonnell, Stacey Ward, David Moseley and Ross Yorkstone, and third cornet Mathew Patchett did not disappoint.

Guest soloist for the evening was former youth band member Riki McDonnell.  Once more, he displayed the sensitivity and tenderness of his trademark euphonium sound, particularly in Pokarekare ana (Tomoana arr Maunder).

Musical Director Kevin Moseley QSM showed his pride and respect for the 34 young people he leads, continually introducing soloists and featured instrumentalists. 

It was a world-class performance from a world-class ensemble.  Thirty four players demonstrating the excellence in banding for which New Zealand is famous.

The Band is now on tour in Japan, after a speedy three concerts in as many days tour of New Zealand.  A highlight of their tour will be participating in the Japan International Youth Musicale from 21-26 July. You can keep up to date with their progress at www.nybb.wellington.net.nz

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