London Brass was born in 1986 out of the world-famous Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, having been brought to a close by its namesake and founder upon retirement. Today, London Brass comprises a pool of the best players in the UK from backgrounds in every genre of music making.
During the 1980s and 90s, former PJBE members continued the pioneering spirit, producing ground- breaking recordings (with Warner Classics), concert programmes and educational events throughout the United States, Asia and Europe. In the mid 1990s, the group embraced a new direction with the addition of a jazz trombone & trumpet, leading to collaborations with artists such as Jango Bates, Mark Anthony Turnage, Mike Gibbs, Richard Rodney Bennett, Moondog, John Surman & Jack DeJohnette.
In recent times, the ensemble has toured many countries throughout Europe and performed at various notable landmarks in the capital: Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall, Barbican, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Old Whitehall & Banqueting House and 10 Downing Street - for global televised occasions, such as the BBC Proms, Millennium Celebration Concert, Queens Jubilee and Papal Visit.
Since the 2016 celebratory 30th year, London Brass has appeared in the UK: Wigmore Hall, Newbury Spring Festival, Trinity Laban Conservatoire & Kings Cross Cubitt Series; and abroad: Italy, Poland, Russia. Summer festivals in Schleswig-Holstein, Brandenburg, Worlitz and St Moritz. Our annual christmas concerts in Germany are always very popular, playing to full capacity houses in wonderful venues such as the Elb, Köln & Berlin Philharmonies. We are very happy to be associated with the Hannover Boys Choir for some of these events.