Under the baton of conductor Robert Bernat, the River City Brass took to the Carnegie Music Hall stage for its inaugural concert on November 21, 1981. It was an evening of musical excellence and determination – determination to bring about the revival of the grassroots tradition of the American brass band.
At one point, there were more than 20,000 such performance groups throughout the United States. In 1981, it was a bleak picture: fewer than a thousand bands were still in existence in America. Throughout the rest of the world, the genre was flourishing, and the River City Brass was determined to foster a similar appreciation here in the United States.
That determination has paid off. Today, the River City Brass performs a 35-concert series in five different venues in Western Pennsylvania. In addition, River City Brass tours extensively throughout the United States with more than 40 performances each year as part of community concert series, major symphony pops series, and arts festivals. From California to New York (and everywhere in between), River City Brass has delighted audiences with its signature style. Every performance features superb soloists and a powerful repertoire from classical to pops and jazz to marches. A River City Brass performance, whether in Pittsburgh or Poughkeepsie or Pensacola, is a memorable event!
In addition to its unique performance style, RCB is renowned for its recordings and original compositions. To date, RCB has released 15 recordings and premiered nearly 200 compositions and arrangements by American and British composers. Many of these works have since been published and are performed by brass bands throughout the world.
River City Brass receives praise from audiences and critics alike: “It’s not a reach to say that this may be the most fun with the music you’re going to have all year,” touts the St. Louis Dispatch. “RCB delivers the rare kind of show that truly manages to combine lighthearted fun with serious musicianship,” notes an audience member in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. And, most tellingly, “River City Brass puts the fun back into music,” explains The Tribune-Review of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Times and dates for in-person performances are subject to change based on local and state health regulations.
