Axiom Brass

Session: Reexamining the Brass Quintet Experience Through Diverse Programming and Interdisciplinary Collaborations

Described as “exceptional ambassadors for classical music” and “innovative programmers” Axiom Brass designs concert experiences for audiences that stretch the imagination and expand sensibilities. Their concert programs regularly pair newer works by composers such as Rouse and Augusta Read Thomas with traditional works by Strozzi and Monteverdi and rousing tangos by Piazzolla. With multidisciplinary performances and live reactive sound-to-video effects, the ensemble creates an engaging, immersive experience that ventures beyond the traditional boundaries of the concert hall. Axiom Brass is the most awarded brass quintet in North America having won the prestigious Fischoff Educator Award, is the only brass quintet in 37 years to win the Yellow Springs Chamber Music, and only American ensemble to ever win the Preis der Europa-Stadt Passau in Germany. Axiom Brass has also been named winners of the 2008 International Chamber Brass Competition and prize-winners of the 2016 M-Prize, 2010 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, Plowman Chamber Music Competition, and Jeju City International Brass Quintet Competition in South Korea. Axiom’s commitment to increasing diversity in brass quintet repertoire through commissions can be heard across three albums, New Standards, the award-winning First Impressions, and the 2021 release, Astor. The group’s interactive teaching style has led to residencies at the Grand Tetons Music Festival, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Ravinia Festival, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Boston University, New England Conservatory, Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Iowa, and Florida State University. Axiom Brass is a Bach performing artist ensemble and performs exclusively on Mutec Mutes.