Armidale musician and educator Bruce Myers is preparing to take Australian brass music onto the world stage after being selected to perform with Australia Brass at the prestigious World Music Contest in the Netherlands later this year.
The accomplished tenor horn player will take up the coveted first horn position as part of a 35-member ensemble representing Australia at the internationally renowned competition in Kerkrade this July.
The selection comes on the back of another standout performance for Myers at the 2026 Australian National Band Championships, where he successfully defended his Open Tenor Horn title against a strong international field. The victory further cements his reputation as one of Australia’s leading brass instrumentalists.
Held every four years since 1951, the World Music Contest (WMC) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in global brass and wind music. This year’s appearance is particularly significant, marking the first time an Australian brass band has been invited to perform and compete at the event in its 75-year history.
For Myers, the opportunity represents both a personal milestone and a proud moment for regional New South Wales.
Preparations for the historic campaign officially began over the weekend of May 16 and 17, with Australia Brass members gathering in Sydney for the first round of intensive rehearsals ahead of the international tour.
The ensemble will be conducted by Dr Matthew van Emmerik, one of Australasia’s most respected brass musicians and music scholars, widely recognised as the region’s most recorded euphonium soloist.
Playing first horn places Myers in one of the ensemble’s most important musical roles, helping shape the band’s overall sound and musical character during performances on the world stage.
While this will be Australia Brass’ debut at the World Music Contest, Myers is no stranger to performing with the elite national ensemble. He previously appeared with Australia Brass at the 2008 Melbourne International Festival of Brass under the direction of renowned conductor Professor David King.
Australia Brass was established in 1995 by John and “Digger” Thomas, with the aim of creating a truly national brass band capable of showcasing Australian musical talent at the highest international level. Since then, the ensemble has become one of the country’s premier brass music organisations, bringing together elite performers from across Australia.
Myers has long been recognised as a prominent figure in the Armidale and wider New England music community, both as a performer and educator, with his latest achievement shining a spotlight on the strength of regional musical talent.
However, representing Australia internationally comes with significant travel and logistical costs, and Myers is now seeking sponsorship support from local businesses and community partners to help make the trip possible.
Local businesses interested in supporting the historic campaign will have the opportunity to back a musician representing not only Australia, but also the New England region, on one of the world’s biggest brass music stages.
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