The world-famous musical group Canadian Brass will perform at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith campus on Oct. 25 as part of a two-day visit to Fort Smith, allowing Fort Smith area residents an opportunity to see one of the most well-known contemporary musical ensembles.

 

A lecture demonstration, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 1 p.m. at the Breedlove Auditorium, with a concert with the Fort Smith Symphony to take place on Oct. 26.

 

The weekend of performances showcases a group which has garnered a Grammy award and two Grammy nominations, as well as 14 nominations for JUNOs, awards which honor Canadian music.

 

The Washington Post said the Canadian Brass musicians “put brass music on the map with their unbeatable blend of virtuosity, spontaneity and humor.”

 

The group, which is appearing at UAFS through an arrangement with IMG Artists based in New York, includes five members -- Chuck Daellenbach, who plays tuba; Achilles Liarmakopoulos, who plays trombone; Christopher Coletti, who plays trumpet; Caleb Hudson, who plays trumpet; and Eric Reed, who plays French horn.

 

Edward White, interim head of the music department, said the shows were “a tremendous opportunity for the Fort Smith region.”

 

“The appearance of the Canadian Brass on campus was originally initiated through the music department, but could not have been possible without the support of both Dr. Paul Beran and John Jeter, and the assistance of musical instrument manufacturer and distributor Conn-Selmer,” he said.

 

Beran is chancellor of UAFS, and Jeter is director of the Fort Smith Symphony.

 

Jeter praised the group, saying Canadian Brass is “considered the top brass quintet in the world.” 

 

“The chance for students to come and see them up close is very unique, and it’s great that UAFS is hosting it,” he said. “This is one of those things where, regardless of what your schedule is, you should find a way to see this. It’s a one-time opportunity.”

 

White said the group’s lecture demonstration on Oct. 25 is an hour-long performance which seeks to both educate and entertain the audience.

 

The demo will chronicle the evolution of music -- from renaissance and romantic movements to contemporary genres such as jazz and pop -- while interspersing anecdotes from the Canadian Brass members and explanations of how they produce their unique sound.

 

Afterwards, the group will hold a question-and-answer segment before ending the show with a grand finale.

 

Jeter said that the group excels at lecture demos, which showcase their ability as both musicians and educators.

 

“Not only are they great performers, but they are excellent at these interactive demonstrations,” he said. “They’re really excellent educators. They are very open to working with students, and they’re a perfect group to be doing this.”

 

On Oct. 26, they will be featured at a Fort Smith Symphony concert with a program spanning a variety of musical genres, including pieces such as “A Tribute to the Beatles,” “Beale Street Blues” and “Fat’s Waller Jazz Suite.” For more information on the symphony event, contact 479-452-7575.

 

For more information on the lecture demonstration, contact White at 479-788-7547 or email edward.white@uafs.edu.