Brass Extravaganza!

Brass Extravaganza!

See some of New Zealand's top brass musicians in action at the 125th National Brass Band Championships of New Zealand, to be held in Wellington between 23 and 28 March 2005.

31 New Zealand bands, including 2004 Champion "A" grade band Dalewool Auckland Brass and 2004 Champion "B" grade band Trust Porirua City Brass, will be joined by four fabulous overseas bands: Gothenburg City Brass from Sweden, United Co-Op Yorkshire Brass from England (pictured), and Brisbane City Brass and South Brisbane Federal Brass from Australia.

These Championships are probably New Zealand's oldest music festival, dating from 1880, and now have something for everyone, including individual and band events, and both competitive and non-competitive entertainment.

Contest events include the street march, solo and ensemble events, Champion of Champions, Band of the Year concert, Commemorative Concert and Youth Band section. United Co-op Yorkshire Brass and Gothenburg City Brass will also be giving concerts during the contest week, both of which will be events not to be missed.

Pictured: United Co-op Yorkshire Brass

This year's brass extravaganza will take place in the cultural capital, Wellington, which will be welcoming over 1200 musicians from the 35 bands, plus their supporters, over the course of the six-day contest.

Tickets, ranging from $5 to $21 (including one and two days passes at $10 and $16 for adults and $5 and $10 for seniors and students) are now available from Ticketek. All events will be held in the Wellington Convention Centre, Wakefield Street.

For more information on the championships, please contact Kirsten Sharman on 021 261 3498 or visit the website: http://www.championbrass.org.nz.

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