Mission Hill trumpets Christmas with Jens Lindemann

Christmas is about to slip into overdrive with the Mission Hill Brass Band.

The St. Albert based British style brass band is pumped and ready to perform Christmas with Jens on Saturday, Dec. 13 at St. Alberta United Church.

That’s Edmonton born and raised Jens Lindemann, the trumpeting prodigy that scored a berth with Canadian Brass and received two Grammy nominations.

He is North America’s preeminent trumpeter, hailed as one of the instrument’s most celebrated soloists in its history. Lindemann has won prestigious prizes across the world, been dubbed the official trumpeter for the NHL Stanley Cup finals and recorded with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Now based in California, the chances of this exciting musician playing with Mission Hill were slim. Except that Mission Hill president Dale Sommerville bumped into the renowned trumpeter at an international trumpet guild gathering in May.

“I asked him if he would be interested in playing with us and he thought it would work,” said Sommerville, adding that both musicians laid a claim to music teacher Alvin Lowrey, principal trumpet emeritus of Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and to an extent were brothers in arms.

Christmas with Jens is ramping up as a one-of-a-kind concert since the rule in brass bands is that no trumpets are played – only cornets. However, Lindemann has broken that rule before performing with the Manchester based Foden Band, a brass band that boasts 114 years of longevity and excellence.

“Typically Jens will pick pieces that emphasize and accentuate his skill, control and talent on trumpet or cornet – whatever he decides to play.”

As for the band, playing with a musician of his calibre is a dream come true.

“He’s inspiring and he challenges us to be the best we can be. He’s a great performer. He’s very good with the audience and he has a great sense of humour. And he always has an interesting lining in his jacket.”

Sommerville goes on to explain that Lindemann has suits specially sewn with interesting patterns in the lining – stripes, polka dots, diamonds – anything to add a little flourish.

“It’s one of his trademarks. He’s a real showman.”

Under the baton of A. Daniel Skepple Jr., the 25-piece brass band has rehearsed sheets of eclectic holiday fare. They range from Philip Rayment’s Winter’s Snow and William Gordon’s arrangement of A Christmas Fanfare to Erik Leidzen’s Christmas Joy and the hip-shaking calypso beat of Caribbean Christmas.

“This is one concert that will get you in the Christmas spirit and remind you how much fun it is to sing and listen to live seasonal music.”