All I Want for Christmas is Brass
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being…trumpeted by brass? That’s right! This December in Macky Auditorium, Christmas bells won’t just be ringing—they’ll be “swingin’!” And the joyous voices sweet and clear come courtesy of the Boston Brass and the Brass All-Stars Big Band in a program filled to the brim with merriment and cheer.
Founded more than three decades ago, the Boston Brass have built a reputation for exciting programs built on a combination of virtuoso musicianship and whimsical humor. Both consummate musical ambassadors and devoted educators, the musicians of the Boston Brass have brought their unique brand of impeccable playing and big personality to stages both big and small. They have performed in all 50 U.S. states and 30 countries, taught master classes at a veritable “where’s where” of the world’s great conservatories, and are frequently featured as educators and performers at conferences and clinics. Among their numerous highly regarded albums are two holiday compilations that feature many works that will be heard on this concert.
They’ll be joined for “Christmas Bells are Swingin’” by the Brass All-Stars Big Band, a combination of trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba players from around the world, as well as a big band rhythm section. Together they’ll perform an exciting array of “fiery” big band holiday classics including “Motown Jingle Bells” and the much-beloved Stan Kenton Christmas Carols. For the brass quintet fans in the audience, the program will also feature a number of works—all arrangements of treasured holiday tunes—performed by the Boston Brass only.
So, break out the ugly sweaters and prepare to get into the holiday spirit because this year all you’ll want for Christmas is some seriously swingin’ brass! Simply put, this not-to-be-missed concert promises joyous holiday fun for the whole family.
The Boston Brass + Brass All-Stars Big Band perform on the Artist Series at Macky Auditorium on Dec. 14, 2024.