CHAMELEON BRASS

GILES FOWLER &
MATTHEW WELLS (Trumpets),
IAN STOTT (French Horn),
STEVEN THOMPSON (Trombone),
RICHARD FOX (Tuba).

Chameleon Brass was formed in 1998. The core is a conventional quintet, but the ensemble can be variable in size. The members of this young, vibrant and compelling ensemble are freelance players who come from diverse backgrounds from which they, together, derive a cohesive musical character of distinction. Repertoire ranges from the Renaissance to the Twentieth Century and includes not only classical works but also light music of quality plus Dixieland Jazz. All members of the group have worked on the late Lord Menuhin's "Live Music Now!" scheme and are committed to music in education, working currently with several London boroughs and various Local Education Authorities.

Chameleon Brass have been sponsored recently by Friends Provident Life and Pensions Limited to commission and perform a work for children’s choir, brass quintet and narrator by Martin Prynn, aimed at encouraging children to take up playing brass instruments - "FAMILY BRASS!" - which will be touring the UK in 2006/7. A recent collaboration with the choir of St. Joseph's School in Dorking, Surrey on a performance of "FAMILY BRASS!" was a resounding success for players, singers, teachers and audience alike.

Chameleon Brass members have performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, the Royal Opera House, the National Symphony Orchestra and London Concert Orchestra, the Glenn Miller Band and numerous other musical organisations of quality (see also below). Chameleon Brass produced their first commercial recording - "It's All Been Arranged" - with London Independent Records in 2001.

Giles Fowler is Principal Trumpet with the Orchestra of All Souls', Langham Place (London) and also appears with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He was formerly Principal Trumpet with the Ernest Read Symphony Orchestra.

Matthew Wells is a relatively-new face in Chameleon Brass (replacing Brian Hill) and - like so many in the profession - began playing in the Salvation Army before winning a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, where he won a number of significant prizes. Subsequently, he has worked as a freelance player on both modern and natural trumpets and has been associated with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, the RPO Concert Orchestra and the English Concert Orchestra.

Ian Stott began his professional life in the British Army, studying at the Guards' School of Music and at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. Subsequently, he continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He is a former member of the Band of the Life Guards, with which he served for nine years and performed on numerous Occasions of State (as well as for private functions held by Her Majesty The Queen). Ian Stott has recorded five Compact Discs and has broadcast on BBC (both on radio and television). He appears regularly with the Ernest Read Symphony Orchestra and the Beaufort Wind Ensemble.

Steven Thompson studied at the London College of Music and at Trinity College London. He furthered his professional development by winning a jazz scholarship at Trinity and is now active as a freelance player while also running his own swing band - The Blue Chips.

Richard Fox is a former student of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and of City University. A keen interest in contemporary music, jazz, "world music" and free extemporisation has led him to perform with a wide range of ensembles, which include:
The London Sinfonietta, The Paul Whiteman Orchestra, The Orchestra of English National Opera, the Orchestra of All Souls', Langham Place, Paul Rutherford's Iskastra and with The Brasshoppers.

"Witty, engaging and confidently professional". (COUNTY TIMES & EXPRESS, Wales)

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