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Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 8 PM
Roy Thomson Hall
$59.50 - $29.50
Call 416-872-4255 or online at
www.roythomson.com
or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office
The Canadian Brass is back, in what’s become an annual holiday
favourite. This concert promises festive favourites, fine new repertoire,
and mischievous hijinks, so characteristic of the Brass, with special
guest Eric Robertson, Juno Award-winning organist.
You’d expect any artist with a career approaching its fourth decade
to spend more time looking back than forward. Not so for the members
of Canadian Brass. This pioneering quintet certainly has no shortage
of past glories upon which to reflect, but they are far, far too
busy for that. Now in its 38th year, the group has always
followed its heart, performing and recording the music it loves,
regardless of its genre of origin. Whether rooted in classical,
opera, jazz, or pop, they tackle their chosen compositions with
a potent combination of enthusiasm and technical virtuosity. The
current lineup of Canadian Brass comprises Chuck Daellenbach, Gene
Watts, French horn player Jeff Nelsen, and trumpeters Joe Burgstaller
and Brandon Ridenour.
Their rare ability to both entertain and educate with their music
dates right back to their earliest days. Chuck and Gene had met
in Toronto, and took their newly formed Canadian Brass to the Hamilton
Philharmonic Orchestra where they became artists-in-residence in
1971, and the players remained members of the orchestra until 1977.
Their early performances were primarily for schoolchildren, and
it was in front of this tough audience that the group honed their
skills as entertainers. From there, their career took off at a rapid
rate.
As well as entertaining millions of music lovers around the globe
with their recordings and concerts, Canadian Brass has performed
an invaluable educational service. Their work has radically redefined
the place of brass within classical music, and their example has
inspired literally millions of young players. By the end of that
decade, Canadian Brass had toured China, the first Western ensemble
to tour China after the "smashing of the Gang of Four", headlined
Carnegie Hall in triumphant fashion, and toured Europe extensively,
proving both the commercial and artistic viability of the Canadian
Brass concept.
There has been no stopping Canadian Brass ever since, and a full
list of career highlights, accolades and awards is simply too lengthy
to repeat. Any single year out of the career of the Brass would
read like the entire career of most performers. Canadian Brass’
continued open-mindedness in both a musical and business sense will
stand them in good stead. They’re as passionate about making music
and entertaining audiences as ever, and their future looks bright.
Look for the sound of Canadian Brass to ring clear, loud and proud
for many years to come.
Sponsored by LEXUS.
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