Australia
Recordings
Group Biography
Formed in 1958 as The Sydney Brass Ensemble by the late Cliff Goodchild (1926-2008) (Principal Tuba, Sydney Symphony Orchestra) with four of his colleagues from the brass section of the SSO, the ensemble gained an immediate reputation as a dynamic group of fine instrumentalists.
Being members of the SSO offered exposure on ABC radio and television as well as through concerts and tours. Sometimes offering performances in regional New South Wales as an extension of an SSO tour or due to performances with Musica Viva. By the mid 80s, an increased concert schedule with the SSO combined with the retirement of Cliff from the SSO, led to a decrease in public activities by the ensemble.
In 1987 the ensemble was reformed by Cliff’s son Paul Goodchild (Associate Principal Trumpet, SSO). The newly energized ensemble was named Sydney Brass and comprises symphony and freelance musicians who perform regularly with the major orchestras of Australia.
This versatility enables Sydney Brass to perform music for quintet through to a ten piece ensemble from all facets and genres; from Renaissance (Gabrieli and Monteverdi) through to modern popular works such as Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story and hits from the Beatles.