RNZAF Band to Kuala Lumpur Tattoo

RNZAF Band to Kuala Lumpur Tattoo

The Air Force Proms concert at the Wellington Opera House will be the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band's final fling before its deployment overseas.

The Wellington-based Royal New Zealand Air Force Band led by Flight Lieutenant Simon Brew has accepted an invitation from Malaysian Defence for the the Kuala Lumpur Military Tattoo in October.

It is only the band's third international tour, a significant moment for the band's dedicated reserve musicians. The RNZAF Band performed for the King of Tonga 10 years ago and at Norfolk Island in the 1990s. Other prominent engagements have been at the opening ceremonies of the 1974 and 1990 Commonwealth Games, both in New Zealand.

This is Flight Lieutenant Brew's first international tour as leader, which will see the RNZAF Band perform alongside military bands from around the Asia Pacific.

"It's a brilliant mission for us. We're thrilled to have this opportunity to travel and perform together overseas. We'll be raising our standards during rehearsals to ensure that we're ready," said Flight Lieutenant Brew who conducts the band.

"I'm also delighted that the Air Force Band has been selected to fly the flag for the New Zealand Defence Force."

This month the 65 member Air Force Band will present a very special afternoon's entertainment at the Air Force Proms on Sunday 31 August at the Wellington Opera House. Prominent guests are the incomparable actor and hobbit Mark Hadlow and up-and-coming baritone Kieran Rayner.

Outstanding trumpeters LAC Chris Clark and LAC Sarah Henderson will perform Vivaldi's brilliant concerto for two trumpets. LAC Henderson traveled with the New Zealand contingent to perform the last post at Gallipoli in April, the first female to do so at such a prominent event.

The RNZAF Band is playing a diverse programme at the Proms with a segment themed on the anniversary of the start of WWI. Excerpts from Holst's stirring Planets Suite will sit alongside Proms staples Land of Hope and Glory, Dam Busters, Rule Britannia and more.

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