In June 2003 Christchurch-born Douglas Cross was appointed Principal Trombone of the Auckland Philharmonia.

Upon completion of his Bachelor of Music at Victoria University, Douglas studied for his Master of Music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, graduating in 2000. During the past several years he has contracted with the NZSO as Acting Principal Trombone, and has held principal positions with the Wellington Sinfonia and Christchurch Symphony.

In 2000 Douglas played Bass Trombone with Orchestre Internazionale d'Italia at the 26th Festival della Valle D'Itria. He has also performed with such artists as Ray Charles and Shirley Bassey.

In addition to his position with the Auckland Philharmonia, Douglas is also currently Bass Trombone with Dalewool Auckland Brass (which recently won the 2003 New Zealand National Brass Band Championships), and plays with The New Zealand Chamber Brass of which he was a founding member in 2004.