The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA returns to Skyview Concert Hall on September 28 at 7 pm and September 29 at 3 pm to kick off the exceptional 2024/25 season. VSO’s Music Director and Conductor, Salvador Brotons will return to the podium for his 34^th season and lead the orchestra and the Spanish Brass in his very own work, Brass Quintet Concerto. Additionally, the program will open with Howard’s contemporary Argentum and close with Dvořák’s bright and lyrical Symphony No. 8. Both performances of this concert will also be available as a simultaneous live stream at vancouversymphony.org.

Argentum is described as a “short, fun, and reflective piece” by Howard, who composed the piece in 2017, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the British radio program ClassicFM. This was the first piece she wrote for a full-time professional orchestra. Similarly, Brass Quintet Concerto was composed in 2013, for a commission by the Spanish Brass. Maestro Brotons notes that one of the attractions of writing for the brass quintet is that the sound is so “spectacular and powerful, and this group—the Spanish Brass—is superb.” 

In the second half, Maestro Brotons will lead the symphony in one of Dvořák’s most popular masterworks, Symphony No. 8, which is marked as a turning point in his career as a symphonist. Here, he takes a freer approach to form and thematic development, and his native Bohemian musical identity reasserts itself.

The 2024/25 Symphonic Series season is presented by United Grain Corporation.

ABOUT THE SPANISH BRASS

With a 35-year trajectory in the world of chamber music, Spanish Brass is one of the most dynamic and consolidated groups on the international musical stage. 

In 1996 the ensemble won First Prize in the Sixth International “Ville de Narbonne” Brass Quintet Competition (France), considered the most prestigious for this formation. In 2017 Spanish Brass received First Prize in the Bankia Awards for Musical Talent of the Comunitat de Valencia, and in 2019 they received the Espai Ter de Música Award. They have also been awarded with four Carles Santos Awards for their CD XXX and Mira si hem corregut terres… (2019), Les Aventures de Monsieur Jules (2020) and Spanish Brass (a) LIVE (2021). In 2020 they received the Spanish National Music Award.

They have participated in some of the most important festivals in the world. They performed at the gala for the Prince of Asturias Awards in 1995 and have recorded music for the play La Fundación by Buero Vallejo, at the Centro Dramático Nacional, as well as the score for the film Descongélate by Félix Sabroso, produced by El Deseo. They have released thirty recordings, including two DVD-CD and three double CD, showing their many facets.

Alongside their activities as performers, Spanish Brass organizes two festivals, international in scope, devoted to brass instruments: the Festival Spanish Brass Alzira (www.sbalz.com) and the Brassurround (www.brassurround.com), where every year some of the most prestigious international brass soloists, groups and teachers gather.

Members

Carlos Benetó Grau (Trumpet), Juanjo Serna Salvador (Trumpet), Manuel Pérez Ortega (Horn), Indalecio Bonet Manrique (Trombone), Sergio Finca Quirós (Tuba)

PROGRAM:

Howard Argentum
Brotons Brass Quintet Concerto*
Dvořák Symphony No. 8
*The Spanish Brass

PRE-CONCERT TALK:

An hour before each performance, 6 PM on Saturday and 2 PM on Sunday, all ticket holders will enjoy an educational pre-concert talk from Music Director and Conductor Salvador Brotons and VSO’s CEO and Principal Clarinetist Dr. Igor Shakhman. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn all about the history of the music that will follow!

All ticket holders will receive a secure email link in order to access the live stream performances.

Our tech support team will be on standby to assist you if you have any issues logging in during the performances.