Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest brass ensembles, the Atlantic Brass Quintet has been heard in 48 of the United States and more than a dozen countries across four continents, performing a unique repertory spanning Praetorius, Monteverdi, and Bach; Etler, Stravinsky, Rands; and brass music from the streets of Brazil, Cuba, the Balkans, and New Orleans. Winner of six international chamber music competitions, the Quintet’s distinctive sound, impeccable ensemble, stunning viruosity, and warm, inviting stage presence have won praise from scores of critics. Founded in 1985, the Atlantic Brass Quintet launched its career with a phenomenal string of competition victories over a period of two years. Grand prizes include the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, Carmel Chamber Music Society Competition, the Shoreline Alliance Chamber Music Competition, the Summit Brass First International Brass Ensemble Competition, and the Rafael Mendez International Brass Quintet Competition. Following these remarkable achievements, the ABQ was honored by Musical America by being named “Young Artists of 1988″. In May 1992, by unanimous decision, the Quintet won the “Premiere Prix” at the International Brass Competition of Narbonne, France, recognized worldwide as the preeminent competition of its kind.
Highlights in the Quintet’s busy concert career include performances at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Fleet Boston Celebrity Series, and the White House. Thousands have enjoyed their performances at Tanglewood-on-parade, and in 1991, as part of Boston’s Fourth of July Celebration, the ABQ entertained an audience of over 350,000 on the Esplanade.
Based in Boston, the ABQ has been the resident brass quintet of Boston University, the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and the Boston Conservatory. The popular Atlantic Brass Quintet International Summer Seminar, established in 1993 has already secured the ensemble’s legacy to the next generation of brass musicians. The Atlantic Brass Quintet can be heard on recordings from Summit Records, Mark Classics, Musical Heritage Society, Solstice, and Crystal labels.