Cornet player Kyle Lawson. Photo: RNZ
Wales may not have beaten the All Blacks since 1953, but it has taken one of this country's top cornet players.
Kyle Lawson has resigned his post of principal cornet with Wellington Brass to take up the same position with the Cory Band in Wales, one of Europe's leading brass bands - if not the world.
Lawson spoke with RNZ Concert's Three to Seven host Bryan Crump ahead of his departure.
Based in Treorchy, up the road from Cardiff, the Cory Band began its life in 1884. Initially it was known as the The Ton Temperance Band, but changed its name in 1895 when wealthy Welsh businessman Sir Clifford Cory was so impressed by the band, he offered to finance it.
The Cory Band that achieved a grand slam of all British major titles in 2016. Photo: Ian Clowes
The band's won numerous championships over the years, including eight wins in the European Band competition.
Before getting the job of principal cornet with the Cory band, Lawson already had a European trip planned as principal cornet with Wellington brass and its campaign to take top honours in the 2026 World Music Contest in the Netherlands.
Lawson will still be going, but he'll now be playing for the Cory Band instead.
"We're in the same draw," he says.
Lawson had to break the news to Wellington Brass music director David Bremner, who - while disappointed - acknowledged it was an opportunity the cornet player couldn't afford to turn down.
