The New Zealand Youth Brass Ensemble was formed in 2015 by Auckland based freelance musicians and music educators, Nicholas Allan and Brendan Agnew. Their ambition was to create a large brass group focused on playing high quality, demanding repertoire that brought together young brass and percussion players from around the country. The annual intensive week of rehearsals is run during university and school holidays and culminates in performances at the end of the week. The tutoring and conducting is by professional brass musicians from New Zealand and abroad.
The ensemble performs music from a variety of different musical styles. It has focused particular on tackling some of the greatest works in the orchestral repertoire and arranging them for brass and percussion. In previous years the ensemble has performed works such as: Festive Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich, Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky and Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi.
2017
This year the brass ensemble course will run from Monday July 10 – Saturday July 15 and be based at the University of Auckland Music School. Concerts will being held on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th. Billeting will be organised for those travelling to Auckland. The cost of the course will be $100, with travel scholarships available for those traveling in from out of town.
The 2017 programme will feature two separate ensembles:
Youth Ensemble – for those under the age of 25. This group will be conducted by Chad Davenport. The programme for the two ensembles is still being finalised. However, the major work we are hoping to work on is the Alpine Symphony by Richard Strauss.
Secondary Schools Ensemble – for those who are secondary school students. This ensemble will be conducted by Jillian Christoff.
The two groups will rehearse concurrently and perform onstage together – with a total of approximately 50 young musicians.
How to apply
The ensemble is made up of university and school students who are under the age of 25. If you wish to be part of the course in 2017 please fill out the application form.
Applications close on May 31st
Contact details:
Nicholas Allan
newzealandyouthbrassensemble@gmail.com
