Wednesday 3 December 2025 
Keele University Chapel 
Connaught Brass 

Join the award-winning Connaught Brass for an evening of festive brilliance and musical warmth in the stunning setting of Keele University Chapel. This vibrant ensemble brings together the joy of the season with moments of quiet reflection, wrapping up Christmas spirit in a programme full of colour, character, and surprise. 

Expect tradition with a twist—from the jubilant final chorus of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio to the elegance of seasonal Tchaikovsky, and a soulful pairing of an Advent carol with the wistful tones of Nina Simone. The programme also celebrates innovation, including a nod to Holst’s planetary legacy in his 150th anniversary year, and Terry Johns’ piano-infused meditation, inspired by the stained glass triptych of Eduardo Paolozzi in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. 

Described by the Great Birmingham Brass Festival as “a thrilling young ensemble,” Connaught Brass are redefining brass chamber music with flair and imagination. Winners of the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition, they’ve performed at major festivals and venues across Europe, from Lucerne to Ferrandou Musique. 

With over 500 years of repertoire at their fingertips and a spirit of curiosity at their core, Connaught Brass promises a Christmas concert that’s bold, beautiful, and full of heart. 

Aaron Akugbo | Bach Stradivarius Bb & C, Bach Artisan Eb & Scherzer Piccolo Trumpets
Harry Plant | Bach Stradivarius 37G Bb, Schagerl C Trumpets & Bach Stradivarius Flugel Horn
Zoë Tweed | Paxman 20M
Chris Brewster | Getzen 4147IB  
Aled Meredith-Barrett | B&S 3100W 

Programme: 

Sam Gale (commission, Title TBC) 
Vivaldi (arr. Stone)   Concerto in F Major 
Trad. (arr. Harvey)   Past Three O’Clock 
Prokofiev (arr. Foster)       Lieutenant Kijé Suite (featuring Troika) 
Trad. (arr. Roberts)    Come Landlord Fill The Flowing Bowl 

Interval 

J.S. Bach (arr. Foster)       Suite from Christmas Oratorio 
Trad. (arr. Every)   When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney (Tuba Solo) 
Humperdinck (arr. Roberts)     Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel 
Tchaikovsky (arr. Foster)    Autumn’s Song and Yuletide from Seasons
Martin & R. Blane (arr. Henderson)    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

PARKING & HOW TO FIND US: Parking is free on campus after 5pm on a weekday and during the weekend. The closest car park to the University Chapel is the pay and display car park located on Union Square. Campus map here: https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/howtofindus/maps/keele-campus-map.pdf 
Keele Chapel is in Building 7 on this map. 

ACCESS: Keele University Chapel Access Guide - https://www.accessable.co.uk/keele-university/access-guides/chapel  

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