London Brass

Whether it’s the Queen’s Jubilee or a papal visit, London Brass shines on every occasion with its extravagant brass artistry. The ensemble’s new Christmas programme brings a real burst of energy to the most festive time of the year.

The programme opens with the lively Riu, riu, chiu, a Spanish villancico from the Renaissance. A little later, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen’, one of the oldest Christmas carols in existence, provides a tranquil counterpoint. The atmosphere thickens with Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons: London Brass enhances the palpably frosty mood of the original with majestic brass sounds. Prokofiev’s Troika then becomes a rousing musical sleigh ride. An emotional highlight is O Holy Night, which soars from quiet reverence to radiant grandeur.

London Brass was founded in 1986 by former members of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. Albums such as Christmas with London Brass and I Got Rhythm have shaped its successful career. Today, their repertoire ranges from Baroque masterpieces to jazz, pop and film music. In recent years, the ensemble has performed at renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Lincoln Centre.

CREDITS

Andrew Crowley, Gareth Small, Philip Cobb, James Davison trumpets, Richard Bissill horn, Lindsay Shilling, Byron Fulcher, Jonathan Stokes, William David Stewart trombones, Oren Marshall tuba