Kiwi composer goes global with a lament for Pike River

A New Zealand composer has hit a career high note with news one of his works is bound for the world stage.

Fraser Bremner wrote Black Tears about the country's collective grief following the Pike River mine explosion, which claimed the lives of 29 men.

Bremner's score and the Pike River story will now take centre stage in the UK.

"I'm still pinching myself," Bremner said.

The New Plymouth musician wrote the orchestral piece to capture the outpouring of emotion across Aotearoa.

"I remember where I was when the news hit about the first explosion. I was in my flat in Wellington, writing other music. It was just complete shock," he said.

"The aftermath was just pure grief, and the disaster itself made headlines — not just around the country, but around the world."

Bremner went through old news reports, rewatched footage from the site and read many articles online.

"I spent quite a bit of time looking at what happened afterwards, like the memorial services and everything that followed. I spent time going through that and coming up with music that suited."

Melodies slowly made their way into his consciousness. Eventually, he felt he'd captured the country's mourning in melody.

His score features a cornet solo. "A cornet can have a haunting effect; it's perfect for this piece of music," Bremner shared.

"The piece of music is pure grief."

Six years later, his music was selected by the UK's top brass of brass — something Bremner never expected.

"I got a message from Dr Bob Charles, who is probably one of the most well-respected brass band conductors in the world.

"He emailed to say he's the artistic director of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain for this year, and he said they'd like to use Black Tears in their programme."

But that wasn't the only good news.

"I was so stoked about that. But then I found out 24 hours later that the person who's going to be playing the solo is James Fountain — the principal trumpeter of the London Symphony Orchestra," Bremner said.

"I think my jaw just about hit the floor," he smiled.

Bremner has a passion for percussion. He's playing drums for the New Plymouth production of Jersey Boys, which is currently in rehearsal. On the day of Seven Sharp's visit, his skill was evident.

But he's also capable on keys and cornet and is a confident conductor.

It's no surprise to hear he grew up in a musical family.

"My dad was the conductor of a local brass band, so we didn't have much say in the matter of whether we would be doing music or not."

His father Trevor Bremner is an accomplished cornet player and has been the Australian and New Zealand cornet champion. His mother Betty Bremner is a confident pianist. Bremner's three older brothers are also musical — brother David is the principal trombonist for the NZ Symphony Orchestra.

When the family's not making music, they're muting it. The Bremner family makes 'Sshhmutes' at a warehouse in New Plymouth.

"It's a device that you put in the instrument. It takes about 80-90 per cent of the sound out so you can practice and not annoy other people," Bremner laughed.

"We ship to 35 countries around the world, and we're rated as one of the top practice mutes in the world."

But the Bremners have another impressive export with Black Tears, and they couldn't be prouder.

"This piece of music is the best that Bremner has written. It is outstanding and shows the emotion that went with the Pike River disaster," his dad said.

"Oh, we're extra proud of him. He's getting the recognition he deserves," his mum added.

Being a musical family means they can play his composition, too. Bremner has written multiple versions, including one for cornet and piano, and when Trevor and Betty play, the emotion is evident.

"Every time we play it, we think about what happened," Betty said.

Bremner hopes those who lost a loved one at Pike River will also get to hear it.

"This piece of music was written with the families in mind. I'd love to arrange for them to hear it performed. I think it would be incredibly moving."

Bremner said he has sent extensive notes about the Pike River explosions to the UK to be dispersed to the orchestra so that they, too, know the story behind the music.

"Music is a hugely emotional experience for the player and the listener. When a performer plays a piece based on fact, and they know what it all means, it can completely transform a piece of music."

The orchestra is rehearsing now, and though Bremner won't travel to the UK to see his work performed, he will tune in via a live stream.

"Lots of amazing composers here in New Zealand don't get stuff played on a world stage. So, to have this piece of music played on the world stage is pretty special."

Bremner has written many other works, including one on the pandemic.

"A lot of my music is based on fact. I like writing about things that have actually happened rather than fictitious things."

But he's having a hard time believing his recent good fortune isn't made up.

"I was going back and checking the emails. Is that actually happening?" Bremner laughed.

"This is definitely the highlight of my career."