April 29, 2016 was a big day in the TYWO calendar. It was the day that all three ensembles would take to the stage of the Recital Hall of the Toronto Centre for the Arts, in the company of arguably the five most famous, most loved and most accomplished brass players of our time.

The day commenced with two one-hour student concerts, each drawing a sold-out house of over 1,000 students from as far away as Waterloo, Hamilton – and Providence, Rhode Island! Following an introductory performance by the Wind Orchestra, the Canadian Brass made their traditional entrance from the back of the auditorium to “A Closer Walk With Thee” and had completely captivated their young audience by the time they had made their way on to the stage…

…as they did the adult audience several hours later! First to take the stage in the evening were the Metropolitan Winds, an adult ensemble made up of TYWO Alumni and friends spanning 25 years of TYWO. The program commenced with the world premiere of “Fanfare and Flourishes”, a fanfare commissioned of the late Howard Cable, which was one of the very last works written by our dear friend, and which he had been scheduled to conduct. It was fitting that the Canadian Brass were to headline this performance, in that their association with Howard Cable had spanned some 40 years. With members of Howard’s family in attendance and introductions so warmly and adeptly performed by Steve Paikin, known to many as host of TVO’s “The Agenda”, but with a long-standing familial association of his own with Canadian Brass founder, Chuck Daellenbach, the evening was one long celebration of magical musical moments.

The Canadian Brass solo segment (can a quintet perform a solo?!) delighted the audience with their inimitable blend of virtuosity combined with sheer hilarity.

Following intermission, the Symphonic Winds took to the stage, joined by the Concert Winds and latterly by the Canadian Brass in a joint rendition of “That’s A Plenty”, leading to the return of the Wind Orchestra to bring the 25th season of TYWO to a close with a selection of pieces of the program it would perform on the stage of Carnegie Hall, New York. Just six weeks later.

In affirmation of its commitment to support and encourage youth in music, the Canadian Brass has honoured TYWO by agreeing to accept the role of Honorary Patron of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra.

Now in its 41st year, Canadian Brass was founded by Chuck Daellenbach and Eugene Watts enjoying world-wide success and a discography of some 130 albums, with sales of over 2 million.

Canadian Brass is: founding member Chuck Daellenbach (tuba), Christopher Coletti and Caleb Hudson (trumpets),Achilles Liarmakopoulos (trombone) and Bernhard Scully (horn). Click here to learn more about our newest musical partners (http://www.canadianbrass.com/about/)