The Isthmus Brass ensemble is bringing the warmth and grandeur of the holiday season to the Opera House stage on Sunday, December 13th, at 2:00 pm. Doors open at 1:00 pm. Advance tickets are $25 for the balcony, $35 for the lower level, and $45 for the first two rows and boxes (plus taxes and fees). Ticket prices increase by $5 on the day of the show. Friends of the MPOH can purchase tickets on July 1 at 8:00 am; the general public can purchase tickets on July 15 at 8:00 am.

Established in 2009, the ensemble was formed when some of the busiest brass players in Madison & Milwaukee looked for ways to collaborate and perform together. They initially decided on a course of performing charitable Christmas Concerts for the unhoused via Porchlight, Inc. of Dane County where they have raised over $150,000 in annual benefit concerts. Soon after inception, they then stepped on to the national stage. The group has now become active year-round, presenting the highest level virtuosic brass playing in concerts of varying styles with custom arrangements that showcase their individual talents. They have released two holiday recordings, “Isthmus Brass Christmas” and “We Need a Little Christmas” on Summit Records.

The large group has a smaller brass quintet that plays smaller venues and often handles the outreach/teaching commitments for the group. Both groups offer diverse programming including popular holiday concerts, patriotic concerts (featuring Sousa Marches and other American fare), light classical (well known classical work with an Isthmus Brass flare) and jazz/popular programs featuring individual members improvisational prowess on standard jazz tunes.