It all started 20 years ago when the world famous Butchart Gardens wanted to add some live music for patrons as they strolled through the Christmas light displays during the holiday season. A brass group was hired to play ‘festive’ music and The Festive Brass was created. In 2022, Festive Brass took the show ‘on the road’ on Vancouver Island playing to full houses and rave reviews.

With a song library approaching two hundred arrangements, almost all of which have been written by members of the ensemble, they playfully boast the ability to play almost any Christmas tune upon request, and they may even tell you: “If we don’t know it, we’ll fake it.” The Festive Brass has appeared as guest artists with the Vancouver Island Symphony performing their unique arrangements for brass and full orchestra. Their first quartet album, “Gift Wrapped by Request” sold out three pressings and a second album is in the works!

Festive Brass members include: Stevan Paranosic, David Flello, Bruce Hurn – trumpet/flugelhorn; Nick La Riviere – trombone; Robert Fraser – bass trombone; Jonathan Eng – drums. With Special Guests: Nicolas Rhodes – keys; Nick Mintenko – bass.