Quintet members:
László Simai - trumpet, Tamás Tóth - trumpet,
Péter Soós - horn, Koppányi Béla - trombone, Tibor Takács - tuba
The brass quintet was formed in 1992, thanks to a lucky chance.
The Academy of Music in Budapest was asked to arrange a concert for Queen Elizabeth II for her visit to Hungary. As it is well known that the British monarch likes brass music, the choice fell on a brass quintet. Five outstanding students – later Brass in the Five – were picked by their teacher and sent to the royal concert.
At the time the five talented young musicians little suspected that this twist of fate would join and bond them together for many long years to come.
After the successful performance the Queen congratulated them personally, saying, "I hope I will meet this brilliant ensemble again."As a mark of respect for her majesty, the musicians chose an English name and for the last sixteen years have been delighting audiences with their individual sound at their varied, out-of-the-ordinary concerts under the name Brass in the Five.
Numerous composers and world renowned artists have been inspired by their playing:
Péter Eötvös, József Sári, Gábor Lehotka,
Péter Tóth, Gergely Vajda, Balázs Horváth,
István Márta, József Gregor, Kolos Kováts,
Veronika Kincses, Ingrid Kertesi, György Vukán.
8 CDs have been released in the most varied styles.
They have appeared at all the main concert venues in Hungary, and made many radio and TV recordings. Their careers to date have taken them not only around Hungary but also to many parts of the world to popularise Hungarian brass chamber music. Audiences in Austria, Germany, France, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy and China have shared the lasting experience provided by their concerts.
They were founder members of the contemporary ensemble UMZE (New Hungarian Music Society).
Prizes:
In 1997 they won first prize at the Polanica Zdroj international chamber music competition.
In 2000 they were awarded the Artisjus performer’s prize.
At the Budapest Fringe Festival in 2008 their children’s theatre production Brass Circus won the professional jury’s grand prize and a special prize from the children’s jury.
In 2009 their show „Let's go to Rio!” earned two awards at the Budapest Fringe+ Festival.
Their own arrangements embellished by the inimitable Brass in the Five sound are true delights.
BIOGRAPHY |
Repertoire
Brass Circus – The Tale of Tuba Tiger and the Trumpet Steeds: Breaking with traditions, in 2008 the quintet created a new style jointly with movement artist Csaba Méhes. Making the audience laugh hilariously, they’ll change your idea of what can be done with brass instruments for ever.
Recognising this, the professional jury at the 2008 Budapest Fringe Festival awarded them the grand prize and the children’s jury a special prize.
I See What I Hear: At their out-of-the-ordinary concerts, besides theatre and movement art, the audience also come into active contact with visual arts. Their specially devised co-production with graphic artist and sand painter Lajos Végh “I See What I Hear” makes music understandable for everyone, duly spiced for the spirit of our age with computer effects.
Fairy Tale Dance House: The Brass in the Five quintet are joined by two guest artists to whisk children away to the land of fairy tales, where in a trice they are transported from the bustle of a Renaissance ball to the darkest depths of the jungle or the dwarves’ cottage, or even find themselves amongst the animals of Madagascar.
All That’s Music: A fun encounter with Brass in the Five, who make anything that comes to hand or foot sound. The members of the ensemble help everyone to approach the world of “serious” music cheerfully and in a good mood.
Baroque Arias: Brass in the Five’s own arrangements with top Hungarian singers. Old music’s most scintillating instrumental and vocal solos are set against the most wonderful melodies of the age.
Vukán and the Brass: a real treat not just for jazz fans: Gershwin and Duke Ellington evergreens as interpreted by jazz pianist György Vukán and Brass in the Five.
Interactive Musical Stroll: a popular event at outdoor festivals in which the Brass in the Five quintet invite the audience to walk and talk freely with them – naturally accompanied by much music and fun.
Let's go to Rio!: The six determined artists from the Brass Circus accidentally run across each other in the swirl of the city. They decide to travel together to conquer the world with their show...Let's go to Rio! During their adventurous journey they get into all sorts of trouble before they would arrive to Rio. Will they?
Street Performance: The Brass in the Five together with mime artist Csaba Méhes can appear anywhere! They mingle with the crowd in the street, park or at an event suprising the spectators with interactive games.
At their concerts the relationship of musician and audience is so flexibly handled that often the roles are reversed.
For event organisers:
o As a cultural event for conferences and corporate events, a cheerful compilation of classical music or jazz.
o Fanfares for ceremonial openings and music befitting other occasions.
o Live musical background to conjure up the true festive spirit for weddings.
Contact:
Tibor Takács
+36/30 328-48-71
szervezes@brass5.hu
www.brass5.hu DISCOGRAPHY |
