Better Angels – Western Brass Quintet

Founded in 1966, the Western Brass Quintet is one of the most distinguished brass chamber music ensembles still active in the United States today. The ensemble has performed around the world including concert tours in Russia, Thailand, China, Sweden and Germany, as well as concerts in prestigious American venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. The Quintet is a resident faculty ensemble in the School of Music at Western Michigan University.

Following their concerts at Carnegie Hall, the New York Times review raved that “The Western Brass Quintet gave unremitting evidence of their individual talents and ensemble training; chords were precisely weighted and registered, instrumental blends were sensitively arranged, and there was rarely a tentatively attacked or released note.”  The New York Concert Review describes them as “exhibiting a remarkable flair for the Renaissance style, …with remarkable facility and technique.” Following a performance at the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the published review asserted that “the Western Brass Quintet is not just another ‘academic’ brass chamber ensemble; their performance was equal to that of any ‘professional’ brass quintet. This is a superb group...”