Global Appeal of Brass Bands at Durham International Festival

Durham, UK – Durham International Festival [1-15 July] – a Durham Brass Initiative project – will be acknowledging the global appeal of Brass with a frenetic fortnight of music. Brass is showcasing a wide variety of musical genres that incorporate elements of Brass-based music for example: Gypsy Brass; Folk; Jazz; Klezmer and Classical (this year the program will include a performance by Northern Sinfonia).

Brass is hoping to achieve the same kind of renaissance mainstream Jazz has experienced over recent years as producers are now realizing the strength and depth Brass can add to studio or live tracks much like the fresh affect the reintroduction of ‘strings’ made to 90’s Rock & Pop. Brass is injecting power back into music, which is being applauded by venue and armchair audiences as they appreciate the values of this mighty sound.

The Festival is hoping to achieve a knockout performance as the organizers have managed to attract a heavyweight bill from around the world including: Serbia – Boban I Marko Markovic Orkestar; Austria – Mnozil Brass; Norway – Brazz Brothers; India – Jaipur Kawa Brass Band (who will be marching in this year’s Durham Miners’ Gala – 14th July) ; and the UK – Bellowhead, Fairey Band (part of Acid Brass, which is the name given to a pioneering style of music inspired by Turner-Prize award winning artist Jeremy Deller – celebrating its 10th anniversary), Dennis Rollins & Badbone, YBS Brass Band conducted by Ray Farr.
 
 The full extent of the challenge set out by Brass can be witnessed at www.brassfestival.co.uk or by visiting its myspace site www.myspace.com/brassdif.