ITEC 2001 Artists

Riki McDonnell's extraordinary musical career has been stamped with the twin qualities of versatility and competitiveness. He is the first soloist in the New Zealand Brass Band Associations 121 year history of national competition to win championship title on three different instruments five times on tenor horn, eight on flugel horn and 6 times on euphonium. In 1992 Riki won the prestigious International Brass Musician of the Year title (ahead of the reigning British Open and Australian solo champions, also euphonium players) and in 1993 capped that by winning the Ern Keller Memorial competition in Sydney, Australia. In 2000 Riki added the Australian Champion of Champions title to his successes.

As a boy soprano, Riki's first professional engagement was to play and sing three characters in the Australian production of Oliver. When his voice broke, he turned to brass instruments under the tutelage of Gilbert Morrison, one of New Zealand's most successful teachers. Riki has played as soloist with the Auckland Sinfonia, Auckland Philamonic Orchestra, Christchurch Philamonic Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the National Band and the National Youth Band of New Zealand as soloist. He has previously toured with the Danny La Rue Show on trumpet. He lives and works in Auckland, owning a successful wholesaling business - Music Ways Ltd.

Riki is a frequent visitor to Europe in the course of his business. Because of this he has been able to work with some of the top British Bands and collaborate with other talented players to produce recordings. Midnight Euphonium was recorded with Williams Fairey Band. This was followed by Operatic Euphonium, recorded with Grimethorpe Colliery Band of "Brassed Off" fame. His latest CD Euphonium Songbook was recorded with Marple Band.