Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Onyx Brass is a British classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and virtuosic performances since their founding in 1993. The ensemble is made up of five members, all of whom are accomplished musicians in their own right. The members of Onyx Brass are Niall Keatley and Alan Thomas on trumpet, Andrew Sutton on horn, Amos Miller on trombone, and David Gordon-Shute on tuba. The idea for Onyx Brass was born out of a desire to create a brass ensemble that could perform a wide range of music, from classical to jazz to pop. The founding members of the group, who were all students at the Royal Academy of Music in London at the time, shared a passion for brass music and a desire to push the boundaries of what was possible with a brass ensemble. The group's name, Onyx Brass, was chosen to reflect the ensemble's commitment to excellence and their desire to create music that was both beautiful and powerful. The onyx stone is known for its strength and durability, and the members of Onyx Brass saw this as a fitting symbol for their ensemble. Since their founding, Onyx Brass has become one of the most respected brass ensembles in the world, known for their innovative programming and virtuosic performances. The group has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, and the Wigmore Hall in London, as well as Carnegie Hall in New York City. One of the highlights of Onyx Brass's career was their performance at the 2012 London Olympics, where they played at the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. The group's performance was seen by millions of people around the world and helped to cement their reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic brass ensembles in the world. In addition to their live performances, Onyx Brass has also released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their debut album, "Onyx Brass," was released in 1996 and featured a mix of classical and contemporary music. The album was praised for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances, and helped to establish Onyx Brass as a major force in the world of classical music. Over the years, Onyx Brass has received numerous awards and accolades for their work. In 2007, the group was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Ensemble Award, which is one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. The award recognized Onyx Brass's outstanding contributions to the world of classical music and their commitment to excellence. In addition to their work as a performing ensemble, the members of Onyx Brass are also committed to music education. The group regularly gives masterclasses and workshops to young musicians, and has worked with schools and community groups to promote the importance of music education. Overall, Onyx Brass is a truly unique and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Their commitment to excellence, innovative programming, and virtuosic performances have earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic brass ensembles in the world.

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