Canadian Brass: A Legacy of Brilliance

Formed in 1970 by Chuck Daellenbach and Gene Watts, Canadian Brass set out to elevate the brass quintet to new artistic heights. With Gene developing repertoire and Chuck managing business and marketing, they quickly assembled a world-class ensemble that would go on to redefine brass chamber music.

From the start, Canadian Brass brought imagination, virtuosity, and a sense of fun to the stage. Their concerts blend Baroque masterpieces, Dixieland jazz, Broadway hits, and original works—delivered with theatrical flair and engaging dialogue. Every performance is a celebration of musical excellence, spontaneity, and joy.

With over 130 albums and more than 2 million records sold worldwide, Canadian Brass has become one of the most successful classical ensembles in history. Their album Stars & Stripes: Canadian Brass Salute America spent eight weeks in the Billboard Classical Top 25, peaking at #2. They’ve toured extensively across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, playing to packed houses and enthusiastic fans.

Canadian Brass made history as the first Western brass group to perform in the People’s Republic of China and the first brass ensemble to headline Carnegie Hall. They’ve represented Canada on the world stage, performing for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, and have become cultural ambassadors for their country.

Their media presence is equally impressive, with appearances on The Tonight Show, Today, Entertainment Tonight, and Sesame Street. They’ve performed with the Boston Pops under John Williams and were featured in the film The Couch Trip. Their concert and educational DVDs, along with streaming content and social media engagement, continue to reach global audiences.

Canadian Brass’s repertoire spans centuries and genres—from Renaissance and Baroque to jazz, ragtime, Latin, big band, Broadway, and contemporary music. With over 600 original arrangements and commissions, they’ve built a rich musical library that showcases the expressive power of brass instruments. Their work has helped revive interest in composers like Scott Joplin and introduced brass music to new generations.

Education is central to their mission. Canadian Brass regularly offers masterclasses and workshops, mentoring young musicians and inspiring future performers. They’ve served as Chamber Quintet-in-Residence at the Music Academy of the West and launched a summer brass program at the Eastman School of Music. Their collaboration with El Sistema in Venezuela highlights their commitment to global music education.

In partnership with Hal Leonard Corporation, Canadian Brass has published an extensive collection of sheet music and educational materials for players of all levels. Since 1998, they’ve released over 25 albums through Opening Day Entertainment Group, operated by Chuck’s wife, MB Daellenbach.

With over five decades of innovation, artistry, and outreach, Canadian Brass continues to set the standard for brass performance. Their blend of virtuosity, creativity, and joy has made them a beloved fixture on the world stage—and they show no signs of slowing down.