Selections from A Canadian Brass Christmas

Founded in 1970, the Canadian Brass is one of the world’s most renowned brass quintets, celebrated for its virtuosity, innovative performances, and diverse repertoire. The group initially consisted of founding members Eugene Watts (trumpet), Charles Daellenbach (tuba), and Fred Mills (trumpet). Over the decades, it expanded and evolved, welcoming various musicians who contributed to its distinctive sound. The ensemble has performed worldwide, appearing everywhere from major concert halls to people’s living rooms through numerous television specials. As a result of its accessible repertoire and engaging performance style, the group has played a crucial role in popularizing brass music.

The Canadian Brass is particularly renowned for its annual Christmas concerts, which have become a beloved tradition for many audiences with their fusion of classical Christmas music and carols with jazz and popular tunes. In the words of the ensemble, “Our Christmas concerts are a celebration of the season’s joy and magic. We strive to bring an element of surprise and delight, making each performance a special experience for our audience." The selections from A Canadian Brass Christmas were created for the group by the famous jazz arranger and pianist Luther Henderson, whom Duke Ellington called “my classical arm.”