Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

True North Brass is a Canadian classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique blend of brass music since their founding in 1997. The ensemble is made up of five members, each of whom brings their own unique talents and experiences to the group. Over the years, True North Brass has become known for their innovative arrangements of classical music, as well as their ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles into their performances. The founding members of True North Brass were all accomplished musicians in their own right before coming together to form the ensemble. Trumpeter Stuart Laughton, trombonist Alastair Kay, and tuba player Scott Irvine had all played together in various other groups before deciding to form their own ensemble. They were soon joined by trumpeter Brian Evans and French horn player Joan Watson, and True North Brass was born. From the beginning, True North Brass set out to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other classical music ensembles. They began by arranging classical pieces for brass instruments, but soon expanded their repertoire to include jazz, pop, and even folk music. This eclectic mix of styles has become a hallmark of True North Brass's performances, and has helped to attract a wide range of fans to their concerts. One of the highlights of True North Brass's early career was their performance at the 1998 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Kentucky. This was a major event in the world of brass music, and True North Brass's performance was well-received by both the audience and their fellow musicians. This performance helped to establish True North Brass as a rising star in the world of classical music, and they soon began to receive invitations to perform at other major events and festivals. Over the years, True North Brass has continued to build their reputation as one of Canada's premier classical music ensembles. They have performed at major festivals and events across Canada and around the world, including the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, the Banff Centre for the Arts, and the International Brass Festival in Serbia. They have also collaborated with a wide range of other musicians and artists, including jazz pianist Oliver Jones, singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith, and the Canadian Brass. In addition to their live performances, True North Brass has also released several critically acclaimed albums. Their debut album, "True North Brass," was released in 1999 and featured a mix of classical and jazz pieces. This was followed by "Snapshots," which featured arrangements of popular songs by artists such as The Beatles and Stevie Wonder. Their most recent album, "Wolfe Island Suite," was released in 2017 and was inspired by the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness. True North Brass has also been recognized with several awards and honors over the years. In 2002, they were awarded the Juno Award for Best Classical Album for their album "Echoes." They have also been nominated for several other Juno Awards, as well as the Canadian Folk Music Award and the Western Canadian Music Award. In addition, they have been awarded grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council to support their work. Today, True North Brass continues to be a major force in the world of classical music.

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