Country

:

United States of America

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Empire Brass is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences around the world for over four decades. The group was founded in 1972 by five musicians who were all members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The founding members were Rolf Smedvig, Marc Reese, Scott Hartman, Sam Pilafian, and Roger Kaza. The group's name was inspired by the Empire State Building, which was a symbol of strength and power. The ensemble's main members have changed over the years, but the group has always maintained a high level of musicianship and professionalism. Rolf Smedvig was the group's leader and trumpet player until his death in 2015. Other notable members of the group have included Joe Burgstaller, Jens Lindemann, and Ronald Barron. Empire Brass has performed all over the world, including in Europe, Asia, and South America. The group has also performed at many prestigious venues, such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. The ensemble has collaborated with many famous musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, Plácido Domingo, and Leonard Bernstein. One of the highlights of Empire Brass's career was their performance at the 1986 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The group performed the Olympic Fanfare and Theme, which was composed by John Williams. The performance was broadcast to millions of people around the world and helped to establish Empire Brass as one of the premier brass ensembles in the world. Empire Brass has also won many awards and accolades over the years. The group has won three Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Crossover Album in 1994 for their album "Class Brass: On the Edge." The ensemble has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Performance and Best Chamber Music Performance. In addition to their performances and awards, Empire Brass has also been dedicated to education and outreach. The group has conducted masterclasses and workshops for students of all ages and has worked with many youth orchestras and music programs. Empire Brass has also released several educational materials, including a series of instructional videos and a book on brass playing. Empire Brass has recorded over 20 albums over the years, covering a wide range of musical styles and genres. The group's repertoire includes classical music, jazz, pop, and world music. Some of their most popular albums include "Class Brass," "Brass Attitude," and "Empire Brass Christmas." Despite the changes in personnel over the years, Empire Brass has remained a vital and innovative ensemble. The group has continued to push the boundaries of brass music and has inspired countless musicians and audiences around the world. With their dedication to excellence and their commitment to education and outreach, Empire Brass has truly become an institution in the world of classical music.

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