It’s been five years since the last time the National Band of New Zealand came together, and the 2014 version was definitely worth the wait.

From the opening bars of Glinka’s ‘Ruslan and Lyudmila’ to the final chords of the ‘Great Gate of Kiev’ from Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, the 25 brass and four percussion players wowed the audience with their music.

Rising to the occassion

Conducting was Auckland’s Nigel Weeks, whose many successes at national level with Dalewool Auckland Brass has seen him in demand as a teacher, musical director and band adjudicator.

The innovative programme saw the New Zealand premiere of ‘Arabian Nights’ by Stephen Roberts, the 2013 British Open Championship set work. Based on Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Scheherazade’, the work pushed every section to the limits, with the band rising to the occasion without fuss.

Fine soloists

Some very fine soloists were featured in the band’s only concert in New Zealand; each personifying the musical cornerstones of its psyche under the MDs influence.

John Lewis has been principal cornet of four National bands, and is one of New Zealand’s most successful cornet champions. His rendition of the Hoagy Carmichael classic ‘Georgia on My Mind’ commanded attention from first note to last:  There is a quality of sound in this young man that is pure, delightful and never out of place.

Playing the soprano in the most delightful lyrical style was another four time band member, Colin Clark. A rare talent, he delivered a passionate performance of Philip Sparke’s romantic ballad ‘Flowerdale’, and was a prominent force with fire and daring throughout the evening.

Legend

These young men held their own with the legendary euphonium soloist Riki McDonnell, celebrating his 40th anniversary of his first appearance at the pinnacle of New Zealand banding.  

His heartfelt dedication to banding icon Kevin Jarrett made the patriotic ‘Pokarekare Ana’ the perfect choice for the occasion.  The oldest member of the current band, Riki still knows how to work a room!

Riki was then joined by Steven Miles in the exciting euphonium duet ‘Two Part Invention’ by Philip Sparke. Steven’s technique was riveting as the notational clarity drove the piece towards its climatic finish.

Introduced as the ‘quietest member of the band’, solo horn Mike Ford then proceeded to amaze the punters with a lively and finely detailed version of ‘The Piper of Dundee’.  The notes flew at high speed, always landing in the right place with effortless ease.

Kiwi pride

Commanding, passionate, patriotic and full of surprises - the 2014 National Band of New Zealand is now on its way to wow audiences in China and South Korea.  

Joined by the Aotearoa Maori Kapa Haka Group, they will yet again show why kiwis are rightly proud of their culture and musical heritage.

Kathy Clark