Interchanging Idioms

Pack a picnic basket and get ready for an evening of jazz, Dixieland standards and light classics at a free concert in Central Park at Stapleton Join members of the Colorado Symphony Brass for a free concert at Central Park on Saturday, August 27 and enjoy a wonderful evening of jazz, Dixieland standards and light classics. Be sure to pack a picnic for this free event, which begins at 7 p.m. as a quintet of the Symphony’s brass players, including principal trumpet Justin Bartels, perform a lighthearted selection of audience favorites. Everyone is welcome at this family-friendly, community event. This event is generously sponsored by the City and County of Denver. A few tips on picnicking in the park: Glass of any kind, including bottles, is not permitted. Alcohol is not permitted. Bring a blanket or low beach chair. Seating is "first come first served."

23-year-old Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth is performing at Limelight at the 100 Club on Oxford Street with a programme that includes Ravel, Piazzola, de Falla and Grieg Born in 1987, Tine belongs to a new generation of Norwegian soloists and indeed a new generation of brass soloists all together, perhaps more influenced by the idiom of string players and singers than what used to be the case. Tine's approach to music is refreshingly focused and straightforward, with an extra touch of artistic magic that reaches everyone who hears her playing. She started to play trumpet at the age of 7 and is already one of the leading trumpet soloists of her generation. Already in her short career Helseth has appeared as a soloist with, amongst others, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Philharmonie Baden-Baden, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and all the major Norwegian orchestras. Helset...

I'm not sure how I feel about this one... The Canadian Brass, one of the finest brass ensembles in the world, playing a host of "American" (read: United States) patriotic tunes. The original press release said the new CD is "chock full of patriotic songs" but patriotic to whom? I like the tunes of Stars and Stripes Forever , America the Beautiful , Battle Hymn of the Republic , Hail Columbia , Shenandoah and You’re A Grand Old Flag , but I think it's more of a marketing ploy than a show of patriotism. There are getting some great reviews, such as: “Wow, who knew the Canadians felt this way about us? Here are 16 over-the-top tracks, featuring replica drums from the Colonial and Civil War eras, all toasting America. The themes all get impressive, imaginative treatment with their dashing fanfares and imaginative touches. The flat-footed “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” gets a burst of panache from a few bars of Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.”Hmm....

Founding Member Eugene Watts Continues in Key Role The CANADIAN BRASS is delighted to announce that trombonist Keith Dyrda is joining the group. Eugene Watts, co-founder of CANADIAN BRASS, introduces his successor: "I had been keeping my eyes and ears open for a replacement and then suddenly Keith Dyrda appeared -- he is young, charismatic, full of fun and one of the finest trombonists I have ever heard. I loved his presence, focus and personality and I think that he will be an ideal soul mate and partner for the other members of the group. Did I mention that he looks just like I did 53 years ago?” At just 21-years of age and still completing his studies in performance at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music in Montreal, Keith Dyrda has already become a prominent presence in the performance scene in Canada, including a recent performance of the Tomasi Trombone Concerto with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. “This is a huge honour,” enthuses Keith Dyrda, citing the...

Antiphonal Brass Music by Giovanni Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi and Samuel Scheidt The Canadian Brass, called “the world’s leading brass ensemble” by the Washington Post , brings its trademark virtuosity and artistic passion to an album of stunning antiphonal brass music by Giovanni Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi and Samuel Scheidt, composers of the late Renaissance and early Baroque. Initially available through a limited release by ArkivMusic.com last October, Echo: Glory of Gabrieli is available everywhere on April 8, 2010 through E1 distribution. Reviewing the recording, ClassicsToday.com raved: “If you're not completely hooked by the strikingly realistic antiphonal sound or the breathtakingly virtuosic playing in the first 30 seconds of this remarkable recording, then check your equipment ... a brighter-than-ever sheen, an even better-defined edge that leaves you with no words, just the impression that you're in the presence of superhuman musicianship.” Audiophile Audi...