Now in its 37th year, Canadian Brass is known for its blend of classical virtuosity with high-spirited entertainment. The group constantly forges new ground, boasting more than 50 recordings in addition to videos and television specials – a testament to its long-lasting popularity and universal appeal.
Canadian Brass has delighted audiences across North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union. It was the first chamber ensemble to tour China and has performed in major venues throughout the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, and the Kennedy Center. The Brass has appeared as featured guest artists with every leading American orchestra and performs regularly at many summer music festivals, including Tanglewood, Mostly Mozart, and Ravinia.
The ensemble is responsible for creating a versatile body of work for brass quintet. Current repertoire encompasses more than 200 pieces and ranges from Bach and Wagner to Sousa and Ellington. Canadian Brass also performs contemporary works and has commissioned works from such composers as Lukas Foss, Peter Schickele, and William Bolcom. The ensemble has produced one of the largest catalogs of brass music and instructional material in the world, including more than 100 works drawn from its own repertoire. Champions of music education, the Brass always includes educational events for both young musicians and teachers in its touring activities.
Canadian Brass has been in residence at the Music Academy since 2000.