Melbourne Brass Ensemble
Formed In 1979, the Melbourne Brass Ensemble has established itself as one of Australia’s leading chamber music exponents, regularly performing for such organisations as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Musica Viva, and Music in the Round. The Ensemble has made it a policy to commission Australian compositions to add new dimension to its repertoire.
Geoffrey Payne (trumpet) joined the Sydney Orchestra in 1976 and was appointed Associate Principal Trumpet of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1979. He was the winner of the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition in 1982, and in 1984 first prizewinner in the International Music Competition held in Budapest. David Farrands (trumpet) holds a Diploma of Music from the Victorian College of the Arts and is much sought as a freelance musician, with such orchestras as the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Victoria State Opera Orchestra, Australian Pops Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Graeme Dennlss (horn) holds a B.A. (Music) and Graduate Diploma from the Queensland Conservatorium. After three years with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra he was appointed Principal Third Horn In the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1981. He has also achieved success as a composer with recent. performances of his works by the Philharmonia of Melbourne and the Solitaire Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble.
Kenneth McClimont (tenor trombone) holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne. After teaching for the Education Department, he joined the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1973, where he is now Associate Principal Trombone. He is on the staff of the Victorian College of the Arts.
Eric Klay (bass trombone) has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Melbourne. After performing with the Elizabethan Trust Melbourne Orchestra as Principal Bass Trombonist, he was appointed to that position in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1977. He is on the staff of the Victorian College of the Arts and the University of Melbourne’
Melbourne Brass Ensemble is featured on the following titles
Hymns For All Seasons
Sixteen further hymns from Cantus Choro, recorded in the grand acoustic of St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne. The programme opens with Advent and follows the great events of the Christian year, with Norman Kaye at the organ and the Melbourne Brass Ensemble.
Tone-stuffs
The Melbourne Brass Ensemble presents a varied brass-quintet programme of Australian works alongside Renaissance and Baroque arrangements. The playing is dynamic and accurate, with a full sound and a true-to-life concert-hall acoustic.
Melbourne Brass Ensemble also appears on
The Remarkable Norman Kaye
Move Records has gathered material for this CD paying tribute to the wonderful Norman Kaye. The main focus is the musician and organist, without forgetting his acting career.
Members of Melbourne Brass Ensemble
Geoffrey Payne
Geoffrey Payne is an Australian classical trumpeter and long-serving Principal Trumpet of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. A first-prize winner at the 1984 International Trumpet Competition in Budapest, he records as a soloist and chamber musician.
David Farrands
David Farrands is an Australian trumpeter and arranger. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, he works as a freelance musician with leading Melbourne orchestras and is a member of the Melbourne Brass Ensemble.
Eric Klay
Eric Klay has been the Principal Bass Trombone of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since 1977. Prior to this appointment he performed with the Elizabethan Trust Mlebourne Orchestra from 1976 - 77. He studied with Mr Roger Davies at The University of Melbourns, Faculty of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree.
Mark Summerbell
Mark Summerbell works as an arranger of traditional hymns for choir and brass, and as a conductor of contemporary chamber scores that set saxophone against piano, percussion and ensemble colour.