On Sunday afternoon, Jasper County Concert Association members and guests had the opportunity to attend another fantastic concert, this one performed by the Alias Brass Company. Founded in 2013, this group consisted of five uniquely talented brass artists from across the nation. Their highly captivating show was built not only on virtuosic playing, but also included a large dose of humor, passion and choreography, as well. Their performance was engaging, energizing and entertaining. All notes were executed with precision and the intonation was impeccable. Harmonies were lush and the group displayed a wide range of dynamics.
From the opening notes, it was apparent that the audience was in for a treat. The show began with Anthony DiLorenzo’s Fire Dance complete with special lighting effects and choreography. During the first portion of the concert, the audience enjoyed a wide variety of music dating from the 1800s all the way through the twentieth century, including a Brahm’s Scherzo, music from the video game Tetris, and Gabriel’s Oboe beautifully performed as a tuba solo.
Following intermission, the group members performed a funeral procession from the back of the auditorium to the stage carrying the tuba in on their shoulders. This was accompanied by a trombone solo which eventually broke into St. James Infirmary, a classic Dixieland tune made famous by Louie Armstrong. One never knew what was going to happen next with this group!
The remainder of the second half of the Alias Brass Company show was devoted to a brass opera complete with costumes, storytelling, and much humor interspersed with classics from Leonard Bernstein, George Bizet, Johann Pachelbel, Gustav Mahler and others. All in all, a delightful experience!
So thank you, Jasper County Concert Association, for bringing another amazing show to Newton.
Jean Ibbotson
Newton