David Bremner (Principal Trombone - New Zealand Symphony Orchestra)

Born in New Plymouth (New Zealand), David Bremner began his early musical studies on cornet and euphonium under the tutelage of his father, Trevor Bremner. After moving to trombone, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours  from Victoria University of Wellington, studying under Marc Taddei. He was awarded the prestigious Patricia Pratt Scholarship to study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and graduated with a Master of Music degree studying with Mark Lawrence. During this time, he was a finalist in the Gisborne Music Competition, placed 3rd in the New Zealand Young Musicians Competition, and won the Shenson Young Musicians competition in California.

David is the Principal Trombone of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2002. Prior to this appointment, he was the Principal Trombone of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

As a soloist, David has performed concertos with the NZSO, including the world premiere of Gareth Farr's trombone concerto 'Funambulistic Strains', recorded Lyell Cresswell's concerto 'Kaia' for Naxos Records, was one of 7 featured NZSO Principals in Eve De Castro-Robinson's 'The Glittering Hosts of Heaven', and performed Sandstrom's double trombone concerto 'The Echos of Eternity' with Christian Lindberg. In 2009, his debut solo album 'Gung-Ho', featuring the National Band of New Zealand and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, won the Classical Music Award at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

A versatile musician, David has recorded with New Zealand rock band Crowded House , performed with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London, as well as many brass bands across Australasia and the United Kingdom. He is also a founding member of the trombone quartet, Bonanza.

As a conductor, David is currently the Musical Director for Wellington Brass, having lead them to being crowned as the Champion Band of New Zealand in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024, as well as the Champion Band of Australia in 2015.

Representing New Zealand, David was previously the Musical Director for the National Youth Band of New Zealand from 2016 - 2019. He was also the Musical Director of the National Band of New Zealand from 2020 until 2023.

David is heavily involved in music education, previously teaching trombone at the New Zealand School of Music for over 10 years, and has previously been the Director of Education for the Brass Band Association of New Zealand. He is also a trustee of the Kia Ora Foundation and the New Zealand Brass Foundation, and also a presenter of Brilliant Brass on Radio New Zealand Concert.