Comprising some of Australia’s top brass musicians, Lyrebird Brass is a collective of artists dedicated to performing the finest brass chamber music. The group’s mission is twofold: to engage Australian audiences through exceptional artistry and accessible programming, and to expand repertoire through new commissions with a particular emphasis on Australian music and works by composers from underrepresented demographics. Members have performed across the globe in many of the world’s premiere ensembles, each bringing a unique musical background to the troupe. Lyrebird Brass is the first professional Australian brass ensemble to feature women as core members.
The name ‘Lyrebird Brass’ is a homage to a unique songbird native to the ensemble’s hometown of Melbourne. Lyrebirds are known for singing for hours each day in a combination of their own distinctive song and mimicked noises and can even vocalise multiple melodies simultaneously. The name is also a reference to Éditions de l’Oiseau-Lyre (Lyrebird Press), part of Louise Hanson-Dyer’s legacy which has so benefited the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music where each member teaches.
Artists: Carla Blackwood (horn), Joel Brennan (trumpet), Rosie Turner (trumpet), Don Immel (trombone), Alex Jeantou (tuba).
Photo credit: Mads Sørensen