Canadian Brass bring unique sound to Spokane Symphony

Sep 23, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 464-7071

SPOKANE—The Spokane Symphony will kick off its SuperPops Series with guest artists Canadian Brass under the direction of Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at 8 p.m. This will be the first time the SuperPops will be held in their new home at the Theater.

The Canadian Brass, which began in Toronto in 1970, is an unbeatable blend of virtuosic talent, spontaneity, humor, and a repertoire as big as their sound, making them an audience favorite. While their performances are peppered with humor, lively dialogue and theatrical effects, it is their music that has made them the world’s leading brass ensemble.

The virtuosi of its members have made brass quintet an exciting vehicle for serious concert music. The quintet has a long history of recording classical repertoire, with a special affinity for Baroque music, which requires the brilliance and musical structure that has become the Canadian Brass’ trademark. Their more than 60 recordings to date include works by Purcell, Vivaldi, Gabrieli, Pachelbel, Beethoven and Wagner — all in meticulously crafted transcriptions that are setting new musical traditions in brass performance. They are especially drawn to the works of J.S. Bach. However, the group has not limited themselves to the classical repertoire but continue to take daring leaps into jazz, contemporary concert music and popular songs.

The Washington Post reported: “The enthralling sound of a brass choir ... programs that feature virtuosic musicianship, masterful interpretations and flashes of humor ... repertoire that encompasses Bach to blues - all these ingredients make the Canadian Brass the world's leading brass ensemble.”

Among the featured music by Canadian Brass is Shaker Suite, Lohengrin excerpts, Beale Street Blues, Classical Duke and St. Louis Blues.

Tickets range from $27 to $54 and are available in advance at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office, 1001 W. Sprague, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT and at spokanesymphony.org.

Moss-Adams LLP is underwriting this concert.

CALENDAR LISTING:

All That Canadian Brass Pops Concert; Morihiko Nakahara conducts the Spokane Symphony; Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 at 8 p.m. in the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Tickets are $27 to $54; Call the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at (509) 624-1200 or purchase in person at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox Box Office, 1001 W. Sprague; tickets are also available through TicketsWest outlets or by calling 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT or online at www.spokanesymphony.org