About Us
The Maritime Brass Ensemble has been formed by local musicians in the Portsmouth area. We have performed at many venues along the South Coast, from Cathedrals, Churches and Concert Halls, playing for Weddings and Dinners to full Concerts. Our Concerts have included Solo Performances to Concerts with other Bands and Choirs, and accompanied dinners aboard H.M.S. Warrior, H.M.S. Nelson Whale Island, and other Army, Air and Navy Mess Dinners.
We are in constant demand by Portsmouth City Council for Civic functions within the City. We have been appointed for services in Portsmouth Cathedral. These have included the Consecration Service following the completion of the Cathedral extention in November1991. This was in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and the BBC recording of ‘Songs of Praise’ for the 50th D-Day Commemoration and the enthronement of the new Bishop of Portsmouth.
We have performed in the Naval Dockyard at Portsmouth on many occasions, notably the International Festival Of The Sea, Meet Your Navy and The Festival of Christmas.
Our repertoire has been extended to suit all tastes, from Scott Joplin, Jazz, Blues and Glen Miller to Pop, Baroque and Classical through to Modern Music. Following performances on both national and local television and radio we have taken the opportunity to make recordings of some of our favourite pieces of music for others to enjoy.
We have recorded music for BBC Radio, notably for the Queens Golden Jubilee weekend with Roger Royle and Sunday Half Hour. We have performed on a live broadcast for BBC1 on Easter Sunday Morning from Portsmouth’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. And for the 60th D-Day commemorations this year we recorded a special program for Radio 2.
We are very adaptable in the music we play. Our library is extensive, but if we have not got a piece of music that is requested for a special occasion, we will do our best to have it specially arranged.
We have been on several overseas tours, including the Harz Mountains N/E Germany in 1996, and then Italy in 1998. In 1998 we undertook our first Cruise with P&O Ferries, a booking we now have on a regular basis.
We have a Fanfare Team that has played for important events at Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth Cathedral and Guildford Civic Hall.