Read the Daily Record’s feature story on Canadian Brass and their unique performance style, as well as their upcoming performance at MPAC Monday, November 26!
Daily Record: “Brassed Off: Morristown’s MPAC Hosts Canadian Brass Musicians”
By Bill Nutt
In concert, the members of the Canadian Brass play in formal evening suits — and white running shoes.
Many people assume that combination, which is practically the quintet’s signature look, reflects the musicians’ irreverence. The Canadian Brass does have a reputation for witty original arrangements of music ranging from the Baroque to the big-band era.
As it turns out, those sneakers have a practical purpose.
“We move around a lot on stage,” said Achilles Liarmakopoulos, the ensemble’s trombonist. “So those shoes are very comfortable.”
Actually, the sneakers began as a mistake. In its early days, one of the staples of a concert by the Canadian Brass was a tribute to ballet, during which the five musicians would actually wear ballet slippers.
“Someone told them that the slippers looked like white sneakers from a distance,” said Liarmakopoulos. “They liked that idea so much that they decided to make it part of the act.”
But Liarmakopoulos, who joined Canadian Brass in 2011, stressed that a sense of humor should not be confused with slipshod musicianship.
In point of fact, the group’s high standard of playing is one reason why he is still thrilled to be part of the quintet.
“It’s one of the things I love about Canadian Brass,” he said. “It’s the care we take.”
The Canadian Brass, under the leadership of co-founder and tuba player Chuck Daellenbach, will bring its holiday show to the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Monday, Nov. 26.
The program will feature a plethora of classic tunes, ranging from traditional carols to selections from Vince Guaraldi’s jazz-influenced score to “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
But the Canadian Brass will offer a number of other pieces, Liarmakopoulos said.
“We’ll play some Handel and Bach. Baroque music is always festive.”
He added that the ensemble would play at least one Glenn Miller piece, among other selections.
Diversity has been a hallmark of the group since it was founded in Toronto in 1970 by Daellenbach and trombonist Gene Watts. It was initially known as the Canadian Brass Ensemble, officially dropping the last word from its name in 1971.
Over the years, the group has notched several achievements, such as a historic tour of China in 1977.
In 1979, Canadian Brass became the first chamber ensemble to solo the main stage of Carnegie Hall.
Over the years, more than 20 musicians have played with the group. Canadian Brass has recorded more than 100 albums, as well as DVDs of concerts.
The current lineup, besides Daellenbach and Liarmakopoulos, consists of Jeff Nelsen (who has played with the group on and off for 18 years) on French horn, Chris Coletti and Caleb Hudson on trumpet and piccolo trumpet.
Liarmakopoulos, a graduate of Yale and a former member of the Greek National Symphony, said that being part of a group with Canadian Brass’ rich history is an honor that he does not take lightly.
“My generation grew up with Canadian Brass recordings,” he said. “To be able to continue the legacy that Chuck and the others started is very important to me.”
The coming year promises to be busy for Canadian Brass, particularly with its 40th anniversary approaching in 2020.
Liarmakopoulos said he is looking forward to that time, especially the slate of concerts.
“We connect to the audience,” he said. “We explain the music. We’re excited being able to share our music with others. We’re doing what we love.”
The Canadian Brass
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown
Tickets: $29 to $69
Info: 973-539-8008 or mayoarts
