Canadian Brass

SEE FIRST GLIMPSES OF CALEB IN ACTION HERE!

Goucher College’s Kraushaar Auditorium, March 3rd…a part of his audition!

CANADIAN BRASS RECENT EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

Brandon Ridenour, trumpet, recently shared his memories and experiences of his trips to Tokyo and Hakodate accrediting his girlfriend, Naomi Kudo, with helping him to acclimatize to a culture and a country that is literally “on the other side of the planet from us.” Brandon’s busy schedule in Japan began with travelling to Hakodate, in northern Japan, for a live interview at the local radio station, followed immediately by his first Conn-Selmer clinic. Brandon worked with one hundred high-school students, developing breathing exercises, quick fingering techniques, and even helping one particular girl to feel more comfortable in front of an audience. Brandon and Naomi played concerts together in Hakodate and then in Tokyo where Conn-Selmer had also organized a master-class. Paralleling the attitude that Brandon maintains as trumpet player in the Canadian Brass, he emphasized the power of “simply communicating through music,” as a means of dispelling the stiffness and stifled breathing that seems to always accompany a performer’s nerves.

Eric’s journey to Seoul, South Korea, with his wife Sarah and her parents, was similarly eye-opening and encouraging. Eric and his family were received by Masa, Conn-Selmer’s Pacific representative, and were led directly to a district of Seoul where Eric would be leading the clinic. The event was co-sponsored by a company called A&M, and consisted of fifty attendees that ranged from high-school students to teachers and professionals from the local orchestras. He heard a large range of musical selections, including both standard and challenging works by Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn, all prepared at a very high standard.





A particularly courageous student even performed a movement of a Bach cello suite. As an overall emphasis to the master class, Eric focused on presentation, i.e., how a performer presents himself to an audience from the moment he steps onto the stage until the applause ends. With invaluable help from a very qualified translator, the students, shy at first, learned to introduce themselves and the music, and how to present their performance in a confident and generous manner. This required particular courage in a room full of their peers, teachers and mentors, which Eric stressed as a huge accomplishment for these young musicians. “The reception was truly warm, welcoming, and excited by new ideas,” says Eric, “I’m looking forward to continuing our relationship with Conn-Selmer in Asia.” In fact, the Brass is slated to have its long awaited return to Japan next summer, so Pacific brass fans won’t have to wait much longer to be reunited with Eric and Brandon.

CHUCK DAELLENBACH RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Canadian Brass tubist and founder Charles Daellenbach has been honored at the International Tuba & Euphonium Association’s 2012 Conference in Linz Austria with their “Lifetime Achievement Award”.  Recognizing Daellenbach’s impact on the music world, presenters Dan Perantoni (Indiana University) and Robert Tucci (Bavarian Opera Orchestra) underscored a career that has taken the sound of brass to millions of listeners throughout the world.

Just out of the Eastman School of Music in 1970 with a PhD in music education, Daellenbach headed to Toronto, Canada and co-founded the ensemble that has put brass quintets on the musical map.  Within seven years the group was picked by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to represent Canada in China, virtually re-opening China to Western music.  Two years later Daellenbach oversaw the ensemble’s defining appearance:  the first brass ensemble to perform on the main stage of Carnegie Hall.

CB VIDEO from Sirius XM appearance

Check out this link to our “Killer Tango” played live on SiriusXM. Canadian Brass has a wonderful relationship with this satellite radio giant.  Our most recent appearance included this work as part of a one-hour performance and interview with host David Srebnik. David is the Classical Music Format Manager at SiriusXM and a wonderful on-air personality, as you will hear as the rest of the programme appears here…

Canadian Brass' “BRASS ROMANCE” inspired by Lady Gaga's song "BAD ROMANCE"

The mission of Brass Underground is to expand the boundaries of traditional Canadian Brass repertoire and appeal to all sorts of listeners. These “cover” arrangements come from the Brass’ time spent ”underground”- jamming and getting creative. While this may not always be the Canadian Brass music that audiences are used to, nor will they most likely hear these titles on their live performance circuit, fans are sure to enjoy this fresh side to CB!

Canadian Brass Inspires a New Generation of Musicians

By Laurie Enceneat

Joe and Becky Pritchard of Pritchard Music Academy are always looking for new and innovative ways to inspire their students to get excited about music. On April 16 and 17, the couple achieved this goal in an amazing way, both for their students and the entire Gaithersburg community.

What Recent Concert-Goers Are Saying About Canadian Brass!

“Saw your show Saturday in Courtland, VA. I drove 1.5 hours from Chesterfield County and it was well worth every mile I drove! Great job on music and entertainment. Chuck is the phenomenal veteran and the other members are way too young to be as great as they are!” - Lawrence H.

“My wife and I, along with some friends, had the great privilege of seeing, and hearing, you live last evening at Central Piedment Community College in Charlotte, NC. This was not our first time attending a Canadian Brass concert, but I must say it was certainly the most entertaining Canadian Brass concert we’ve seen, live or otherwise. The virtuosity of the Canadian Brass always impresses, and this iteration of the group is simply amazing.” - Greg P

“All of you were amazing today at the Dale F. Halton Theater at Central Piedmont Community College! The whole performance was great from start to finish! Hope you see you here again, Charlotte will be waiting! Best wishes to all your future performances!” - Jaime G

“Enjoyed your concert at the Newberry Opera House. Thanks so much for sharing your incredible talent with us!” - Joe F

“I was at your Naperville, IL show at North Central College. I just want to write and let you know that your performance was simply amazing. Simply put the young bucks knocked my socks off. Take a bow and never take a back seat to anyoneas you guys GOT IT!!!  Keep up that level of performance and keep moving forward and 4 more will be listed along with Chuck as true Virtuoso’s and Masters of their craft.

God Bless and WOW!!!” - Thomas E

“My wife and I loved tonight’s performance at Andrews University. I would like to know who comes up with your program ending bits like Hornsmoke and the Salute to Ballet? I absolutely love them.” - Ken Kuempel

CANADIAN BRASS TRIUMPH IN RETURN TO CHINA

“Breathtakingly virtuosic playing…. superhuman musicianship.” - Classicstoday.com

CANADIAN BRASS TRIUMPH IN RETURN TO CHINA

For Immediate Release, January 27, 2011 – The Canadian Brass, called ‘the world’s most famous brass group’ by the Washington Post, added a new chapter to their storied history with their latest tour to China.  Invited to attend the Chinese Spring Festival Gala to help celebrate the coming Chinese New Year, the Brass performed on Hunan-TV Network to an estimated audience of half billion viewers (500,000,000).  Along with their performance, the Brass was introduced and interviewed by Yang Lan, China’s most popular television hostess. Her fame and stature is immense in China.  Of note, she was a 2008 Beijing Olympic torchbearer as well as host at the Closing Ceremonies among her many honors and accolades.  Chuck Daellenbach, founder and tuba maestro of Canadian Brass gushed “it was a great success! Just when you think you’ve done it all, Canadian Brass, plays live to half a billion people on China’s most viewed TV network on the largest TV show of the year. Simply amazing!”  The Chinese Spring Festival Gala on Hunan TV Network garners the highest audience rating of the year in China and certainly the largest audience to ever see the Canadian Brass perform.  The Hunan TV Network is located in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan – a province of south-central China on the lower reaches of Xiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River.

The Canadian Brass and China have a relationship that is far reaching. The Brass was the first western classical music group to perform in China, as part of a cultural exchange program between Canada and China in 1970. The Canadian Brass was selected by the Canadian government as cultural ambassadors, helping to open the door between the two nations.  Coming full circle, one of their first stops back then was to Changsha Province and Hunan TV Network. They were recently asked to come back in August 2010 as part of an education outreach and small tour.   After the Brass created a media stir and received rave reviews, they were invited to participate in the Chinese New Year celebration in 2011.

Now entering its 41^st season, Canadian Brass has entertained millions of fans around the globe and continues to be hailed for creating irresistibly entertaining concerts and recordings for music lovers of all backgrounds and musical tastes – all anchored by the ensembles technical precision and polished tone.  Whether performing classical, jazz, popular music or contemporary fare, the group attracts legions of fans everywhere with its dazzling and joyous music making. The group records for the Canadian indie label Opening Day Entertainment Group.

Canadian Brass with Jeffrey Brillhart, organ

click to download pdf

Cayman Arts Festival 2012 program

click to download pdf

CANADIAN BRASS TRIUMPH IN RETURN TO CHINA

“Breathtakingly virtuosic playing…. superhuman musicianship.” - Classicstoday.com

CANADIAN BRASS TRIUMPH IN RETURN TO CHINA

For Immediate Release, January 27, 2011 – The Canadian Brass, called ‘the world’s most famous brass group’ by the Washington Post, added a new chapter to their storied history with their latest tour to China.  Invited to attend the Chinese Spring Festival Gala to help celebrate the coming Chinese New Year, the Brass performed on Hunan-TV Network to an estimated audience of half billion viewers (500,000,000).  Along with their performance, the Brass was introduced and interviewed by Yang Lan, China’s most popular television hostess. Her fame and stature is immense in China.  Of note, she was a 2008 Beijing Olympic torchbearer as well as host at the Closing Ceremonies among her many honors and accolades.  Chuck Daellenbach, founder and tuba maestro of Canadian Brass gushed “it was a great success! Just when you think you’ve done it all, Canadian Brass, plays live to half a billion people on China’s most viewed TV network on the largest TV show of the year. Simply amazing!”  The Chinese Spring Festival Gala on Hunan TV Network garners the highest audience rating of the year in China and certainly the largest audience to ever see the Canadian Brass perform.  The Hunan TV Network is located in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan – a province of south-central China on the lower reaches of Xiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River.

The Canadian Brass and China have a relationship that is far reaching. The Brass was the first western classical music group to perform in China, as part of a cultural exchange program between Canada and China in 1970. The Canadian Brass was selected by the Canadian government as cultural ambassadors, helping to open the door between the two nations.  Coming full circle, one of their first stops back then was to Changsha Province and Hunan TV Network. They were recently asked to come back in August 2010 as part of an education outreach and small tour.   After the Brass created a media stir and received rave reviews, they were invited to participate in the Chinese New Year celebration in 2011.

Now entering its 41^st season, Canadian Brass has entertained millions of fans around the globe and continues to be hailed for creating irresistibly entertaining concerts and recordings for music lovers of all backgrounds and musical tastes – all anchored by the ensembles technical precision and polished tone.  Whether performing classical, jazz, popular music or contemporary fare, the group attracts legions of fans everywhere with its dazzling and joyous music making. The group records for the Canadian indie label Opening Day Entertainment Group.

CANADIAN BRASS TAKES FLIGHT

CANADIAN BRASS TAKES FLIGHT
Works & arrangements by Rimsky-Korsakov, Mozart, Bach, Rodriguez, Gabrieli, Frackenpohl, Henderson, Scheidt, Dowland, Romm, others
Canadian Brass
Steinway & Sons 30008
Artistic Quality: 10/Sound Quality: 10

If there’s anything guaranteed in life it’s that you will be thoroughly entertained, uplifted, and satisfied when you listen to a Canadian Brass recording—any Canadian Brass recording. This is the outfit that defined—and still commands pre-eminence in—the world of brass quintet music and performance, and here the group (with only one remaining original member, tuba virtuoso Chuck Daellenbach) offers a killer program beginning with Flight of the Bumblebee and ending with Don Gillis’ arrangement of the gospel standard Just a Closer Walk with Thee. There’s all the wondrous technical bedazzlement and trademark humor, elevated to inimitable artistic heights by the awe-inspiring polish and always-present musicality. You’ll love that juxtaposed “When the saints” and the “Hallelujah” chorus—classic Canadian Brass, as you will cherish the gorgeous and very moving Quintet by Michael Kamen, the Gabrieli Canzona, and the Bach Air. Indispensable!

—David Vernier

Canadian Brass Brahms on Brass CD Review

American Record Guide: Jan/Feb 2012 (pg. 72)
BRAHMS: 16 Waltzes; Ballade; 11 Chorale Preludes

Canadian Brass
Opening Day 7415–50 minutes

Despite some rotating personnel over the last several years, the Canadian Brass has been fortunate to retain excellent players whose talents continue to uphold–and often surpass–the wonderful brass traditions that have made them so famous since their start in 1970. They’ve also been one of the few groups to stand the test of time, and have done so through an intelligent mixture of serious classical music and pops repertoire. After having produced a number of fine recordings of classical masters like Bach, Beethoven, Gabrieli, Vivaldi, and Wagner, the Canadian Brass turns to the popular keyboard works of Johannes Brahms in a new recording that is simply outstanding.

Knowing that the Canadian Brass has had a relationship with the famed German Brass over the years, I find that in the 16 Waltzes they have brought some of the German influence into their own playing. The brilliant flourishes of pristine piccolo trumpet and rich oom-pah bands instantly filled my room in the very first waltz. The movements are all short–most a minute or so–but the musical satisfaction is overwhelming, and there are so many wonderful tunes to appreciate. Several of the slower waltzes (2, 5, 12, and 15) have such a serene and pastoral quality that you’d think you were hearing them from the middle of an endless grassy pasture in the Alps. The more upbeat numbers (1, 6, 10, and 13) will have you dancing around an elegantly decorated master ballroom in a great mansion. All of the stylish quintet arrangements are by the trumpeters, Brandon Ridenour and Chris Coletti.

Joining the Canadians for the Ballade No. 1 are three additional brass players and a timpanist. Brahms was inspired by the Scottish ballad poem `Edward’ by Johann Gottfried Herder. He brought a real sense of tragedy and dismay to the music, with its many open intervals and dark, D-minor key. The sustaining quality of brass instruments makes them perfect vehicles for Ridenour’s haunting arrangement–which is played beautifully and makes a stark contrast to the lighthearted waltzes.
Brahms composed the eloquent and somber 11 Chorale Preludes for organ in 1896, and the works were published posthumously in 1902. The short movements are based on Lutheran chorales and arranged here by former principal trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Ralph Sauer. The text of each of the chorales leads us to believe that Brahms composed them as a farewell offering, knowing that the end of his life was near–`My Jesus Leadeth me’, `O God, thou Righteous God’, `My Heart is Ever Yearning’, and `O World, I Now Must Leave thee’. The Canadian Brass is musically sensitive to the more serious chorales–relishing in their rich harmonies, expressive phrases, and sense of departure.

The resonant acoustics of Christ Church in Toronto are naturally captured by the Opening Day recording team, and they still get plenty of clarity from the brass. And though the 50-minute time might be a little stingy, their performance is certainly of the highest caliber.

BUERKLE