London Brass has celebrated its 40th anniversary with a recent sold-out celebration concert at King's Place in their home city.

It featured brand-new music written for the ensemble by acclaimed composers Dani Howard, Vince Mendoza and Oren Marshall. The milestone also marked a new chapter, with the departure of two long-serving members and the arrival of three new faces.

Innovation and excellence

With its roots linked to the pioneering Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, London Brass has built a reputation for outstanding musicianship, innovation and excellence in brass chamber music.

Since 1986, the ensemble has continued to push boundaries through ambitious programming, a distinctive sound and a commitment to commissioning and performing new music, with The New York Times describing them as "the classiest brass act going".

Future

London Brass now looks to the future with an exciting new line-up, with long-standing members Lindsay Shilling and Richard Bissill performing their final concert with the ensemble to bring to a close 75 years of outstanding musical service.

Jon Stokes and Jim Davison joined earlier this year, with Simon Minshall more recently joining the trombone section, replacing Dave Stewart.

Looking ahead

Spokesperson, Andy Crowley told 4BR: "We've been going for 40 years, and I believe we are the longest-running and most successful UK brass chamber ensemble in history. Looking ahead, it's very exciting to have Simon, Jim and Jon, on board. I'm very excited about what the immediate future holds."

Our 40th year marks not only four decades of exceptional brass playing, but also a continued commitment to creativity, collaboration and shaping the future of brass chamber music."