the story so far
[home]
[about]
[contact]
[events]
[news]
[features]
[member]
[admin]
 1883 brought about some important moments in history
The Brooklyn bridge was opened, Richard Wagner passed away and Buffalo Bill staged his first Wild West show. But the most historic moment by far was here in Christchurch with the formation of the Addington Workshops Brass Band.

Funded by a levy of all employees who worked there and composed of workshop employees, the band was formed to feature at picnics and other social events. Surviving a recess through two world wars and several name changes, Addington Brass is still an integral part of the Christchurch community.

121 years later the band is still going strong. With the addition of a junior brass academy launched in 2001 the future of the band is now looking better than ever.

2004/5 involved over 18 concerts and events in and around Christchurch for Addington Brass. Some of the performances include:

The Christchurch Cathedral Christmas Concert
The World masters Basketball Games opening ceremony
Festive Fusion Ronald McDonald House Charity Concert with Roanna Copper 2005
Art Gallery Prelude
Festive Fusion Ronald McDonald House Charity Concert with David Bremner 2004
Addington Raceway New Zealand Cup day
Brass in the Park City Council Concerts
Cathedral Brass - Classical Concert with Haydyn's Trumpet Concerto
Hosting Gothenberg Brass from Sweden
Combined concert with Richard Marshall of Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Woolston Brass and Gothenberg Brass
ANZAC Brass in the Cathedral

As well as performing at many engagements, Addington Brass opened its new rehearsal facilities in March 2003. A new look rehearsal hall with acoustic panels, 3 new acoustic practice/teaching rooms and an upper level built to host one of New Zealand's most extensive music libraries. Officially opened by the Mayor, Garry Moore and blessed by the Dean of Christchurch Cathedral, the very reverend Peter Beck, the new bandroom now gives Addington Brass the facility it needs for its extensive rehearsal schedule.


Iaan Wilson, Musical Director Iaan Wilson ARAM FTCL hon
Iaan was a professional trumpet player for 35 years, having been appointed principal trumpet of the Ulster Orchestra at the age of 19. Subsequently there were positions with the English National Opera, The BBC Symphony Orchestra and then the Royal Opera House Orchestra at Covent Garden. He played under conductors such as Kempe, Boulez, Boult, Tippett, Britten, Bernstein, Haaitink and Stravinsky.

He was invited to become Professor of Trumpet, Natural Trumpet and Cornetto at Trinity College of Music in 1980 and then the Royal Academy of Music where he taught with James Watson and was acting head of brass for a year covering for John Wallace.

As well as performing with every major orchestra in London, Iaan has toured to Australia, Japan, China and Europe. He has made many recordings including the world premiere of the Vivaldi Double Trumpet Concerto on Natural Trumpet. He also participated in concerts and recordings with the world famous Phillip Jones Brass Ensemble.

Addington Brass is Iaan's first experience of conducting a New Zealand brass band and we a very excited and pleased to confirm his appointment.


Barry Brinson, Artist in Residence Barry Brinson
Barry is a prominent Christchurch musician. His skills as an organist, pianist and composer/arranger are renowned, as is his long association with the music of Christchurch Cathedral. Addington Brass is proud to have Barry as the band's Artist in Residence for 2005. Addington Brass is the only brass ensemble in the city to have an Artist in Residence and we welcome Barry into this unique role.

Barry has enhanced and supported Addington Brass by writing several new arrangements specifically for the band. Barry has conducted the band on a regular basis and has become an important part of both the musical and social fabric of Addington Brass.

[home] [about] [contact] [events] [news] [features] [admin] [members]
www.addingtonbrass.com