Buzz Brass
Trumpets, horn and trombones
PHOTO | Michel_Bérard
famous inspirations
trumpetS, horn and tromboneS
Have you heard the buzz? Brass takes on a fresh shine with dynamic performance and fresh, stimulating interaction, as classics you know and love are reinterpreted through trumpet, horn and trombone. With a knack for creating engaging concerts which appeal to a wide audience, Buzz Brass is establishing itself as an adept Canadian brass quintet.
The group has taken top awards at the Prix Opus (Opus Awards) and the Association québécoise de l’industrie du disque (ADISQ) and the Trille Or Awards, and were among the Top 10 Picks at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival | The History of Music.
Capable of transporting audiences from familiar classical masterworks to peppy ragtime-era tunes through to the jazz of Gershwin and a dreamy, poetic treatment of Satie’s Gymnopédie No. 3, Buzz Brass has collaborated with established symphony orchestras including those of Gatineau, Winnipeg, Quebec City and Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra.
This is brass at its best, delivered with intelligence, whimsy and skill.
CONCERTS
2022
Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC)
Showcase | 8:50 am | Saturday October 15, 2022
Saskatoon, SK | Broadway Theatre
Manitoba Arts Network (MAN)
SHOWCASE | 7 – 9:30 pm | Friday October 28, 2022
Portage La Prairie MB | Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment
“The musical environment they create radiates with a bright and golden glow …. memorable melodies such as Satie’s Gymnopédies and Dvorak’s famous American Quartet (originally for strings) find themselves enhanced, almost sharper.”
– Ici Musique
BIOGRAPHY
Sylvain LaPointe (founder/trumpet)
Frédéric Gagnon (principal trumpet)
Pascal Lafreniére (horn)
Jason de Carufel (trombone)
Sylvain Arsenal (bass trombone)
Buzz Brass consists of five stellar musicians – Sylvain LaPointe (founder/trumpet), Frédéric Gagnon (principal trumpet), Pascal Lafreniére (horn), Jason de Carufel (trombone) and Sylvain Arsenal (bass trombone).
Since 2002, this ensemble has captivated classical music lovers across the globe, and established a reputation for innovative programming, praise-worthy recordings, and a unique repertoire and vision for classical brass performance. Venues have included Edinburgh’s 2015 Fringe Festival, Beijing’s 2016 Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, New York’s 2018 Chamber Music America, Arts Northwest Conference 2019 and Pacific Contact 2020, as well as three invitations to perform for young audiences in China. The numerous awards and distinctions that Buzz Brass has earned over the years attest to both the quality and the relevance of the music.
Whether on their own or alongside guest musicians, Buzz Brass’s highly original performances never fail to make a positive impression. Recent Buzz projects have included partnerships with symphony orchestras in Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Winnipeg, and Quebec City, and with Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. The quintet has recorded six albums, with more releases planned.
AWARDS
Nominee – OPUS Award 2017
Winner – Three Weeks Edinburgh Editor’s Award 2015
Ten 10 Picks (History of Music) – 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Winner – TRILLE OR Award 2015
Winner – OPUS Award 2014
Finalist – Jeunesses Musicales Internationales’ Young Audiences Music Awards 2012
Production of the Year | The History of Music
Nominee – ADISQ 2010
Album of the Year – Classical – Solo and Small Ensemble | The Planets
Winner – OPUS Award 2007
PHOTO CREDIT | Michel_Bérard
“A first-class brass quintet, with a likeable flair for humour and for pleasing a crowd without uttering a word.”
– Three Weeks Edinburgh
