Formed in December 2011 by 10 students at the Royal College of Music, Kensington Brass are a versatile brass dectet covering repertoire of all genres. The ensemble plans original and exciting programmes, expertly penned by the members’ writing and arranging team. They push the boundaries of the versatility of brass instruments and showcase the talents of their individual exceptional players.
The Dectet and Quintet of Kensington Brass enjoy giving recitals, having performed at Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, Southwark Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, the Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room, St. John’s Smith Square, Church Stretton Arts Festival, Leicester Classical Chamber Music Festival, Kensington Town Hall, Kensington Gardens and in many of the Royal College of Music Chamber Music Series.
Members of KB can be seen regularly playing with a wide range of professional outfits and currently hold jobs in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Band of the RAF Regiment and New European Ensemble Den Haag.
KB consists of a team of the finest Brass educators in the UK holding teaching roles at Bradfield College, Charterhouse School, Winchester College and The National Children’s Orchestra of GB to name a few. With a strong enthusiasm for outreach work, the group have performed numerous workshops and education concerts. Highlights include: Charterhouse School, St. George’s Windsor, St. Aubyn’s Preparatory Woodford, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Children’s Choice event, Aldro Preparatory School in Surrey, The Marist Schools Ascot, Colville Primary Notting Hill, Roman River Festival Essex brass band community projects and Skipton Music Society’s annual primary concert.
KB won the Royal College of Music Brass Ensemble Competition in both 2012 and 2013, awarded by Nigel Black and Alistair Mackie of the Philharmonia Orchestra. The ensemble also reached the final of the Royal Overseas League Ensemble Competition in 2013, to be the only brass group advancing to the final stage.