Heron Brass is a brass quintet based in London, formed in 2021 by students at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The ensemble brings together musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to chamber music and collaborative performance.

Since forming, they’ve enjoyed performing a variety of repertoire, from well-known works to new arrangements and original compositions. While at Guildhall, they took part in the school’s Chamber Festival and have since given recitals at venues across London including Regent’s Hall and St Giles Cripplegate, where they premiered a piece by trombonist and founding member Benjamin Newman.

They have regularly supported local events and community projects, including providing music for the Islington Remembrance Service and performing at the annual Carols on Columbia Road with St Peter’s Bethnal Green — an event that draws large crowds and has featured in BBC London, Time Out, and The Guardian. They’ve also contributed to education and outreach work through projects with St Paul’s Cathedral.

In 2023, Heron Brass were finalists in the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition and reached the semifinal round of the Royal Over-Seas League competition in 2025. These experiences have encouraged the group to keep exploring new and interesting repertoire, while continuing to build their work together as a chamber ensemble.

Members of the group have also played with leading UK orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Orchestra, bringing that experience into their collaborative approach to brass chamber music.

Heron Brass continues to explore new repertoire and collaborations, with a particular interest in contemporary works, thoughtful arrangements, and music that engages audiences in both concert and community settings.

HB members:

Trumpets: Tom Leighton-Jones, Tom Watts
French Horn: Sarah Pennington
Trombone: Ben Pritchard
Tuba: Ramon Branch Biescas

Entry – £5.00 donation

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