Canadian Brass - FEATURE STORY

BeBrassy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands - 2001 cultural capital of Europe

May 24, 2001

Lounging at the Waldorf with Rotterdam Young Philharmonic

The Canadian Brass' final public concert of their 30th anniversary season was the highlight of a fantastic brass festival which was organized by Norman van Dartel, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. The BeBrassy festival from May 18 to 20 was part of the celebrations in Rotterdam, this year's cultural capital of Europe, and featured major international artists like Tim Morrison, Christian Lindberg, German Brass, London Brass, Canadian Brass, and more, together with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rotterdam Young Philharmonic. This great event also marked the final appearance of Jens Lindemann with the group.

BeBrassy was more than just a set of concerts, it was a big happening for brass players and fans. The Saturday afternoon special "BeBrassy on the Square" showed the fun and excitement of brass playing to more than 1000 listeners: over 300 amateur players were joined by the professionals to play outdoors, directed by Ryan Anthony, Canadian Brass.

These three days filled the halls of the performance center de Doelen with brass music in 11 shows. It started with the Friday night opening concert of Rotterdam Philharmonic Brass and Friends featuring Christian Lindberg and Canadian Brass, followed by a stunning Saturday morning show of German Brass with announcements in four or even more languages, an afternoon performance of London Brass in memory of Philip Jones, and the evening concert of mostly contemporary pieces with Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Tim Morrison, Christian Lindberg, and extra brass.

The Brass Night didn't end before 3 a.m., presenting jazz at its best with First Brass & Marines Brass, Conservatoire Trombone Ensemble, Ruud Breuls/Cees Slinger Quartet, and Conservatoire Trumpet Ensemble.
Sunday performances started with the Marines Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy and led to the afternoon concert of the Rotterdam Young Philharmonic and Canadian Brass. Together they performed Bach's Toccata a Fugue in D minor, Farnon's Farrago on British Folksongs, Beethoven's Wellington's Victory, Wright's Shaker Suite, a set of Fats Waller pieces, to be finally joined by brass players from the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for the Salute to John Philip Sousa. Afterwards, Bart van Lier and Cees Slinger Combo cooled down the excited crowds.

This was a marvelous and perfectly organized event for all brass players, combining soloists, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and orchestra works featuring brass. It brought together professionals, amateurs, and music lovers. Let's have more of these happenings!

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