Inner City Brass is made up of the UK's most exciting brass players, with the founding five members holding principal positions in some of Europe's finest orchestras. Performing additionally with orchestras and ensembles all over the world, including The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, The London Symphony Orchestra, The John Wilson Orchestra, The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, The BBC Symphony Orchestra, The Tonhalle Orchestra - Zurich and Deutsches Symphonie Orchester - Berlin.

 

Formed in 2011, Inner City Brass quickly showed their potential by winning the Worshipful Company of Musicians Brass Ensemble Prize just four months after their first rehearsal. This led to a busy five year period as Yeoman's of The Company, giving recitals and workshops across London. 2011 also saw the quintet take first prize at the Brass Competitive Showcase at the Three Choirs Festival, from which the group were invited to feature in the same festival in Hereford the following year.

 

Since then, Inner City Brass have performed in festivals and concert series across the UK and overseas, making their Wigmore Hall debut in 2021. With an aim to exceed the traditional expectations of a brass concert, Inner City Brass strive to programme an eclectic mix of music that stretches the members to the absolute limit. We aim to surprise audiences with a combination of thrilling, edge-of-the-seat entertainment, solo virtuosity and displays of subtle control of our instruments, showcasing works specially written for the group. Not only does the group look to adapt current repertoire, they take an active interest in promoting new music. As part of the 10th anniversary series, the group will be commissioning works by composers who have influenced or worked with the group over the past decade and is set to feature a plethora of young talent. 

 

“It's tempting to think you pretty much know what you are going to get when booking a brass ensemble, but in the case of Inner City Brass, those expectations were wholly blown apart. This was a superb and unforgettably virtuosic performance, partly through the genuinely interesting and attractive spoken introductions, and also because of a moment of sheer originality and surprise when the tuba player played something that simply shouldn't be possible on that instrument. Prior to the festival there seemed to be a number of candidates for 'highlight of the festival', but this event was nominated by more than a handful and came straight out of left field!” Petworth Festival 

 

“Inner City Brass presented a virtuoso and highly entertaining performance to a near-capacity audience. We would have them back anytime.” Buxton Festival

 

Members of the group have enjoyed success as soloists in front of major orchestras in the last year performing concertos with Dusseldorfer Symphoniker, The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and The Philharmonia at the Proms. From an early age these performers were destined for bright futures with almost all of the members holding principal chairs in either the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester or the European Union Youth Orchestra, as well as boasting a previous BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award winner, a brass finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year and former Bath and Essex Young Musicians of the Year.

 

With such success from a young age, players from the group are in demand globally for coaching, masterclasses and tuition spanning across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Inner City Brass have developed a real passion for educating as a group - always looking when possible to work closely with individuals, local schools or community ensembles in workshops, masterclasses or in relaxed pre and post-concert conversations.