This chamber brass quintet was established in 1980 and is named after Birmingham University’s The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which was the first place they rehearsed in.
Since they were formed they have a built a reputation for performing a wide repertoire of musical genres and commissioning works from composers that include Michael Nyman, Michael Torke and Malcolm Arnold. They make regular appearances at British music festivals, on BBC Radio broadcasts and tour nationally and internationally, visiting over 60 countries since their founding.
Making in the region of 30 recordings so far, they have covered many contemporary composers alongside ones from musical eras ranging from Renaissance to Romantic period.
In the community they work with children to bring educational concerts to primary schools.
Alexander Alyabyev recordings
Quintet
Nimbus NI 5645 (CD: Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition with works by Glnka, Bohme & Alabiev)
Sources:
- http://www.fineartsbrass.co.uk/history
- http://www.musiciansgallery.com/start/brass/groups/fine_arts/brass.htm