BUZZ [ b ʌ z ] n. – 2002; onomat. ◆1 Excitement. ◆2 Sound produced by vibrating the lips regularly around their equilibrium position. [See vibrate] ◆3 Brass quintet consisting of two trumpets, horn, trombone and bass trombone, offering chamber music concerts, young-audience shows, symphonic matinées and albums.
INTRODUCTION TO THE BRASS QUINTET
Since its inception in the fall of 2002, the Montreal-based ensemble Buzz Brass has set out to showcase the full expressive richness of the brass quintet. This formation often remains little known or unfairly overlooked, as the public spontaneously associates brass instruments more readily with marching bands, military music, jazz, or pop ensembles rather than with the refinements of chamber music. To transcend these perceptions, the ensemble offers three distinct programs catering to a wide audience: general public concerts, youth-oriented performances, and symphonic collaborations. Thanks to its original artistic proposals blending rigour and entertainment, Buzz Brass never fails to impress.
With over 2,000 performances to its credit, the ensemble has captivated more than 500,000 music lovers across North America, Europe, and China. Its unique approach to brass chamber music is enriched by collaborations with guest artists on piano, organ, harp, and percussion, lending its performances an energetic and joyful character that audiences particularly appreciate. The group expands its reach and influence through symphonic performances, collaborating with renowned orchestras such as those of Sherbrooke, Quebec City, Edmonton and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
The exceptional quality of Buzz Brass’s performances is reflected in numerous awards and distinctions received over the years, including nominations at the ADISQ in 2024 and 2010, Prix OPUS awards in 2022, 2017, and 2014, the Prix Trille Or in 2015, and the Three Weeks Edinburgh Editors’ Award in 2015. This critical acclaim is complemented by remarkable discographic success, with eight albums praised internationally, including the recent Héritage (ATMA, 2024).
Drawing on a unique repertoire that combines original brass compositions with bold transcriptions, Buzz Brass is now recognized as one of Canada’s most prestigious brass quintets. The ensemble continues to enrich the musical landscape, demonstrating that brass instruments truly belong in the world of chamber music.
Nominee—ADISQ 2024
Album of the Year—Classical Music
Heritage
Nominee—OPUS Awards 2022
Production of the Year—Young Audience
The History of Music—Symphonic Version
With the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke
Conducted by Mélanie Léonard
Nominee—OPUS Award 2017
Concert of the Year—Multiple Repertoire
Buzz Beat
Winner—Editor’s Award 2015—Three Weeks Edinburgh newspaper
Ten top picks among the titanic array of productions taking the stage at the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The History of Music
Winner—”TRILLE OR” Award 2015
Francophone solo artist or group from outside Ontario having most distinguished itself in Ontario (Canada)
L’histoire de la musique
Winner—OPUS Award 2014
Concert of the Year—Multiple Repertoire
10th anniversary concert
Finalist—Young Audiences Music Awards 2012—Jeunesses Musicales Internationales
Production of the Year
The History of Music
Nominee—ADISQ 2010
Album of the Year—Classical—Solo and Small Ensemble
The Planets
Winner—OPUS Award 2007
Production of the Year—Young Audiences
The History of Music
Press review - Overview
“The Scherzo of Ravel’s F major Quartet is jaw droppingly brilliant – a testament to the ensemble’s sensational embouchure – and almost convinces that the music was conceived for brass. […] Warmly recommended.”
Gramophone (prestigious London magazine devoted to classical music)
“An attractive recital with each of four gems in this repertoire being polished to a glittering sparkle. […] All are highly creative re-arrangements; wholly satisfying both structurally and expressively”.
WholeNote
“The tones created by Buzz Brass are splendid. The soundscape thus formed shines forth with brilliance and golden light […] The ever so memorable melodies of Satie’s Gymnopédies and Dvorak’s ultrafamous American Quartet (originally for strings) find themselves enhanced, virtually refined.”
Ici Musique
“A first-class brass quintet, with a likeable flair for humour and for pleasing a crowd without uttering a word.”
Three Weeks Edinburgh newspaper
“Amazing. The instruments go beyond complementing one another, they achieve the extension of one another to ensure the flow of the discourse.”
Montreal’s daily La Presse
“Five very serious musicians and an MC with an art for clowning and communication. An absolute must for any music lover.”
Fringe Review
“Style and intelligence. Impossible to resist.”
Le Journal de Montréal daily
“The music is skillful and so engagingly played as to be worth recommending to all ages.”
The List
“These five musicians are fearless! The Montreal quintet tackles major works and its rendition gives the impression they have been written for its two trombones, two trumpets and horn.”
Montreal’s Voir cultural weekly
“One of those fun, accessible shows […] and the music, well, the music is the best part of all.”
Herald Scotland
“The result is musically formidable because of the quality of the musicians and the top-level arrangements. It’s impeccable!”
Info-Culture
“A lot of very fine playing. Buzz Brass demonstrate their musicianship […and] a capacity to educate and entertain.”
The Scotsman
“An astonishing combination of musical virtuosity and humour.”
Montreal’s daily La Presse
“A pure wonder!”
Le Babillart Quebec cultural e-zine
“There is both skill and imagination here, and in abundance. Brilliant, exciting, yet always controlled playing.”
Fanfare magazine
“Buzz Brass is a blast! Breathtaking!”
Vernon Morning Star newspaper
“Superb, highly recommended!”
Mixtures – The newsletter of the Quebec Federation of Friends of the Organ
“One of this year’s best gems.”
Le Journal de Montréal daily
“A must!”
La Scena Musicale cultural monthly
Comments - Overview
“The magnificent brass quintet Buzz presented an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment last night. Buzz made a real connection to our Sarnia Concert Association audience with their informative and hilarious introductions, and brilliant sensitive playing. The transcription of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 was astonishing. The precisely synchronized double tonguing and rapidly moving scales gave the impression of a huge concert grand piano. In contrast to this, the quintet demonstrated a delicate string-like sound with their beautiful arrangement of Debussy’s The Girl with the Flaxen Hair. Gershwin’s An American in Paris demonstrated a wonderful orchestral sonority. These daring arrangements are the hallmark of a mature ensemble that has found its unique quality of expression. After the concert, which ended with a double standing ovation, Buzz indicated very strongly that they would love to come back to Sarnia soon. We will look forward to their return! They are an outstanding treasure!”
David J. Nichols, Associate Composer, Canadian Music Centre and President and Chair, Program Selection Committee, Sarnia Concert Association
“The show was entertaining, educational and of very high artistic quality. I have taught music for all ages, in all kinds of schools and in several countries over a 33-year career. I have never seen a performance to equal yours!”
Deborah Mehes, Len Wood Middle School, Armstrong, BC
“I just wanted to let you know how fantastic Buzz were last night in Sarnia. They bent over backwards to get here against all the odds with flight cancellations and road closures. They went straight on stage and put on a fantastic performance. They are so personable and played just the sort of program Sarnia likes with chat in between. We heard so many wonderful comments from our patrons and they would be welcomed back any time. You have a great group and I agree with David Nichols when he says they are as good as Canadian Brass.”
Margaret Lovegrove, Sarnia Concert Association Treasurer
“I was truly impressed by the quality and the finesse of the production you offer. I work in the cultural domain and I am often invited to attend children’s shows. Never before had I seen nor heard such an attentive and merry audience. Both children and adults equally enjoy attending this show. The pieces played are relevant and the costumes are original while the comic acting is of unbelievable finesse. I feel that this show has the very essence of what a show addressing a young audience must offer: learning by having fun. As to the final part in which you present your instruments, it brings everything to an end in a manner that is very relevant and very accessible to this type of public. I congratulate you wholeheartedly for this masterly performance in the history of Canadian young-audience shows. Bravo!”
Yoan Leviel, spectator, Montreal, June 2017
“In 30 years of music teaching, it’s the best show I have ever seen in a school. Your show is of excellent musical and pedagogical quality. What a treat for the ears and eyes. To you I therefore say Bravo! Bravo! and yet again Bravo!”
Carmen Major, Le Prélude school, Orleans, ON
“Our staff thought it was the best school performance they had seen in decades! Kids came home from Hillcrest raving about the performance.”
Hillcrest Elementary, Salmon Arm, BC
“Magnificent show!! Both students and teachers alike spoke about it all week. Some teachers event told me it was the best (school) show they had seen in their entire career!! Bravo!!”
Sophie Clermont, de la Rocade school, St-Dominique, QC
