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Join the award-winning Connaught Brass for an evening of festive brilliance and musical warmth in the stunning setting of Keele University Chapel.

Detailed Description

 

Connaught Brass

Wednesday 3 December 2025 
Keele University Chapel 

Standard Ticket - £16

Students & 16 year olds and under - FREE

 This vibrant ensemble brings together the joy of the season with moments of quiet reflection, wrapping up Christmas spirit in a programme full of colour, character, and surprise! 

Expect tradition with a twist—from the jubilant final chorus of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio to the elegance of seasonal Tchaikovsky, and a soulful pairing of an Advent carol with the wistful tones of Nina Simone. The programme also celebrates innovation, including a nod to Holst’s planetary legacy in his 150th anniversary year, and Terry Johns’ piano-infused meditation, inspired by the stained glass triptych of Eduardo Paolozzi in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. 

Described by the Great Birmingham Brass Festival as “a thrilling young ensemble,” Connaught Brass are redefining brass chamber music with flair and imagination. Winners of the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition, they’ve performed at major festivals and venues across Europe, from Lucerne to Ferrandou Musique. 

With over 500 years of repertoire at their fingertips and a spirit of curiosity at their core, Connaught Brass promises a Christmas concert that’s bold, beautiful, and full of heart. 

Aaron Akugbo | Bach Stradivarius Bb & C, Bach Artisan Eb & Scherzer Piccolo Trumpets Harry Plant | Bach Stradivarius 37G Bb, Schagerl C Trumpets & Bach Stradivarius Flugel Horn Zoë Tweed | Paxman 20M Chris Brewster | Getzen 4147IB  
Aled Meredith-Barrett | B&S 3100W 

Programme: 

Sam Gale (commission, Title TBC) 

Vivaldi (arr. Stone)   Concerto in F Major 

Trad. (arr. Harvey)   Past Three O’Clock 

Prokofiev (arr. Foster)       Lieutenant Kijé Suite (featuring Troika) 

Trad. (arr. Roberts)    Come Landlord Fill The Flowing Bowl 

Interval 

J.S. Bach (arr. Foster)       Suite from Christmas Oratorio 

Trad. (arr. Every)   When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney (Tuba Solo) 

Humperdinck (arr. Roberts)     Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel 

Tchaikovsky (arr. Foster)    Autumn’s Song and Yuletide from Seasons 

H. Martin & R. Blane (arr. Henderson)    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas