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The English Brass Ensemble has, over the years, established itself as a leading exponent of the brass repertoire, performing works from the Renaissance through to the Avant-Garde. Formed in 1974 its members have continued to promote and expand this art-form and have achieved an eminent status in the field of brass chamber music.
The work of the ensemble matches is repertoire in variety - past seasons have included tours to Austria, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Israel, USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, West Africa and Asia. In addition to its extensive work abroad the ensemble continues to perform throughout the UK at festivals and music clubs and has recorded many new works and first performances for BBC Radio 3.
The ensemble has enjoyed working with choral groups including the BBC Singers, The Elmer Eisler Singers (Canada), Salisbury Cathedral Choir and the Choir of St Paul's Cathedral and were fortunate to tour Spain in 1990 with St Paul's Cathedral Choir under the baton of its musical director John Scott.
The English Brass Ensemble has enjoyed a close relationship with The British Council and has worked extensively on their behalf. Tours to Greece, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Ethiopia, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been undertaken in conjunction with the British Council and in 1992 the ensemble performed in Turkey for the first time performing concerts in Ankara and Istanbul.
The Ensemble has performed at most of the major festivals throughout Great Britain and organises a major UK tour each year.
Three recordings have been released for ASV Ltd, 'Russian Brass' featuring works by Shostakovich and Prokofiev, 'Lyric Brass' with music by Edvard Grieg and 'Toccata' a CD of pieces of Bach and Widor. They have also appeared on two recordings with St Paul's Cathedral Choir, 'Christmas Music from St Paul's, and 'Favourite Hymns from St Paul's, and recorded a live recording for BBC Television of Christmas music from Salisbury Cathedral with the Salisbury Cathedral Choir. The Ensemble has also recorded a set of three lunchtime concerts for Granada Television.
Alongside its busy performing schedule The English Brass Ensemble continues to place great emphasis on its educational programmes and work with young musicians and regularly gives numerous masterclasses and workshops throughout the world.
