David Bremner is Principal trombone of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2002. Prior to this appointment, he was principal trombone of the Auckland Philharmonia. Born in New Plymouth, David 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 graduate with honours from Victoria University of Wellington studying with 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 NZ Young Musicians Competition, and won the Shenson Young Musicians competition in California.

As a soloist, David has performed concertos with the NZ Symphony Orchestra, including the world premier 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 with Christian Lindberg. In 2009 his debut solo CD Gung-Ho, featuring the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the National Brass Band of NZ, won the Classical Music Award at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards.

A versatile musician, David has recorded with the 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 UK. He is a founding member of ‘Bonanza’ Trombone Quartet, and is Music Director of the 2013/14/15/16 Champion Band of NZ and 2015 Australian Champion Band, Wellington Brass.

Bremner is heavily involved in music education in NZ, previously teaching trombone at the NZ School of Music for over 10 years, and is currently a trustee of the Kia Ora Foundation. He is also the presenter of Brilliant Brass on Radio Concert.