The National Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw vibrated with a musical extravaganda & cultural celebration captured live here.

On January 24, 1999, the National Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, Poland vibrated with an unprecedented musical extravaganza as Canadian Brass and the Warsaw Philharmonic came together in a cultural celebration of the long standing ties that have bound Canada and Poland. In the presence of the Canadian Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien and Madame Aline Chrétien, Poles and Canadians alike delighted to the world premiere of Celebration by Lukas Foss, as well as music by McCartney & Lennon, Duke Ellington, J.S. Bach, “Fats” Waller and the Brass’ signature encore: Saints-Hallelujah.

This recording commemorates not only the first visit ever to Poland of a Canadian Prime Minister, but also celebrates the special friendship that has bound these two countries together over the decades.

Canadian Brass possesses a vast and eclectic repertoire as evidenced by their live performance here. More than any other ensemble, the Brass is responsible for creating a versatile body of work for brass quintet, through use of meticulously crafted transcriptions and hand tailored arrangements. Moreover, the Brass is heralded for commissioning more than 100 major works, ensuring a secure future for brass ensembles in the classical music world.

Based on the wonderful baroque concept of “concerto grosso” style of performance, Canadian Brass virtually created the concept of solo brass ensemble with orchestra. In the late 1970s the Brass soloed with the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra. From this auspicious start the Brass has gone on to perform with such legendary orchestras as Philadelphia, Montreal, San Francisco, Minnesota, New York, Tokyo, Boston and Berlin. Now the joining of Canada’s and Poland’s musical talents in this world premiere recording is truly a musical and historical “Celebration”.