London Brass

Whether it's the Queen's Jubilee or a papal visit: With their extravagant brass artistry, London Brass shines at every occasion. The ensemble's new Christmas program brings a considerable amount of energy to the most festive time of the year.

It opens with the lively "Riu, riu, chiu," a Spanish villancico from the Renaissance. The calm counterpoint is provided a little later by "Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen," one of the oldest Christmas carols. With Vivaldi's Winter from The Four Seasons, the atmosphere intensifies: London Brass enhances the noticeably frosty mood of the original with majestic brass sounds. Prokofiev's Troika then transforms into an exhilarating musical sleigh ride. An emotional highlight is set by "O Holy Night," which rises from quiet reverence to radiant grandeur.

London Brass was founded in 1986 by former members of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. Albums like "Christmas with London Brass" and "I Got Rhythm" have shaped its successful career. Today, the repertoire ranges from Baroque masterpieces to jazz, pop, and film music. In recent years, the ensemble has performed at renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and New York's Lincoln Center.