KATHRYN-JANE HAZEL
When you’re a member of a brass quintet, it’s important to follow the dictum of Spiderman when accompanying a choir, said Stevan Paranosic, founder of The Victoria Brass.
“With great power comes great responsibility,” he said, adding that means when you’re performing with a choir you have to be careful not to drown them out.
The 50-plus voices of Malaspina Choir will trumpet their sound along with The Victoria Brass and organist Peter Orme at St. Andrew’s United Church.
They are performing in the choir’s spring concert, Gloria, featuring John Rutter’s Gloria and Dvorak’s Mass in D Major on Saturday (May 14) at 7:30 p.m. at the church, located at 311 Fitzwilliam St.
Paranosic formed The Victoria Brass eight years ago because he wanted to create a group of brass instrumentalists who consistently demonstrated a high level of musicianship.
All of the members, which includes Paranosic, trumpet; Brad Howland, trombone; David Michaux, trumpet; Alana Despins, horn and Robert Fraser, bass trombone, play with the Victoria Symphony.
The group originally planned to be guest musicians at events, but are now the in-house brass group for Christ Church Cathedral, and often accompany the CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble at that church.
“My goal is to expand the ears of the audience as to what brass can do,” said Paranosic, adding Rutter’s Gloria demonstrates this, as it has something traditional and something new.
Rutter originally wrote the piece for eight brass instruments and an organ, so the version performed in Nanaimo, with just five, is unique. It also gives the brass an opportunity to show its lyrical side.
“It’s almost like three choirs, with the organ, brass and choir alternating. The special challenge is keeping a balance between the delicate and the loud,” said Paranosic.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for attendees under the age of 25 and will be available at the door or by calling 250-754-8550 or visiting www.porttheatre.com.
