Philharmonia Brass at Christmas
Philharmonia brass ensemble
- Great for groups
- First-timer friendly
- Early finish
- Date
- Mon, 7 Dec 2026
- Time
- 19:30 · 2h 0m
- Venue
- Marlowe Theatre
- City
- Canterbury
- Tickets
- from £19
You'll be taken to the ensemble's official site.
Summary
The Philharmonia brass ensemble performs a selection of seasonal works at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre.
Why it's fantastic
This festive afternoon trade strings for gleaming brass, featuring a spirited mix of carol arrangements and cinematic winter favourites. It is a brilliant entry point for families or casual listeners, offering two hours of polished, high-energy storytelling that captures the exact feeling of a cold December day.
Our guide to this performance
What you'll hear
We are set for a programme that replaces the traditional orchestral string section with the warmth and power of a full brass ensemble. You will hear a curated selection of seasonal music that balances traditional carol arrangements with popular cinematic scores associated with the winter months. The concert is designed to highlight the versatility of these instruments, moving from the bright, piercing clarity of trumpets to the deep, resonant support of the tuba. Listen for the way the ensemble handles familiar melodies, often using intricate layering to create a rich, choral texture. The performance follows a trajectory of high-energy fanfares interspersed with more reflective, lyrical moments. Because the specific pieces have not yet been confirmed, we anticipate a mix of bold, rhythmic works and softer, atmospheric pieces that evoke a distinctively festive character. It is a chance to hear how brass instruments can shift from intimate, hushed tones to the expansive sound typically heard in a large cathedral setting.
Who's performing
The Philharmonia brass ensemble is drawn from the ranks of one of the UK’s most celebrated symphony orchestras. Based in London, they are renowned for a distinctively refined sound and technical precision that translates well into smaller, specialized chamber configurations. The members are experts in a wide range of repertoire, from early Renaissance fanfares to contemporary film commissions. This ensemble has built a reputation for bringing a sophisticated, professional polish to diverse programmes, ensuring that every note is delivered with the clarity and ensemble cohesion for which their parent orchestra is famous.
Planning your evening
This performance takes place at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury on 7 December 2026. The concert has a running time of approximately 120 minutes, making it a substantial afternoon of music that remains accessible for those new to live orchestral brass. Given the festive theme and the varied nature of the programme, it is a suitable choice for a broad range of listeners. There is no specific dress convention for this event; standard theatre attire is appropriate. Please note that the venue provides a modern setting for this two-hour seasonal showcase.
Written by the Bravura editorial team from the ensemble's published programme and venue information. We don't reproduce copy from box-office sites. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
