The Hogtown Brass is a Toronto based chamber ensemble dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional brass music. This group of diverse musicians come from a wide range of musical backgrounds from classical to pop to jazz. This performance promises to be a unique concert experience which is both entertaining and informative.
In June 2017, HBQ was a featured performer at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and in November they released "A Holiday Album, Vol. 1", featuring arrangements by an all-Canadian roster of composers including RJ Satchithananthan, Christian Overton, and Terry Promane.
In October 2016, they released their debut recording "Introducing...", featuring brand new arrangements and original compositions for brass quintet in a variety of styles and genres - from Baroque to Latin dance to funk - just a little taste of what HBQ is all about. “Introducing...” was also nominated for a 2017 Toronto Independent Music Award.
CURRENT REVIEWS
The Hogtown Brass Quintet are the rare group whose diverse musical offerings and welcoming personalities are equally at home in both small venues and large concert halls.
Andrew Hitz
Former Tuba, Boston Brass; Pedal Note Media
Their playing is joyful and the repertoire is at once sophisticated and easy to listen to. The original writing by trombonist RJ Satchithananthan, is awesome, and should become part of the Brass Quintet repertoire.
Gabriel Radford
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
The Hogtown Brass is a class act. They are meticulous with rhythmic patterns – which are always precise, as is their ensemble. Humour is a part of their style. Not only do these fine musicians play with accuracy and sensitivity, they also communicate to the audience how much fun they are having in the process.
Howard Cable
The Hogtown Brass Quintet provided a fitting and jubilant ending to our summer festival. From the moment they walked onstage, the audience was fully engaged by their youthful enthusiasm, humour and a brilliant performance which ended in a rousing standing ovation.
John French
Brookside Music Association
These five brass players are a fantastic blend of spirit, energy and ability. They're serious yet fun. Great individually, yet terrific as a group. They can nail the classics, yet still groove and rock. And they're great with audiences. We need more, fresh music-making like this. Great things await the Hogtown Brass.
Ron Davis
SymphRONica
The Hogtown Brass offers the perfect blend of entertainment, education, and showmanship. Whether this innovative quintet is inspiring children at a school or concert hall, celebrating community at a street festival, or entertaining their audiences at a brewery, the Hogtown Brass delights their audience with well-crafted programs.
