Denver Brass pays tribute to its enduring musical legacy
A once in a lifetime musical moment, Denver Brass pays tribute to its enduring musical legacy through a live concert recording that includes you. Pick your seats for November 8 or November 9.
November 8 & 9 at 2:30 PM
Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village
4550 East Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village Colorado, 80113
Celestial Motion
| Brian Pfoltner
Commissioned by The Denver Brass with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Celestial Motion takes audiences on a journey beyond the stars. Pfoltner weaves together two cosmic musical motifs—one from the original Star Trek series and another from Gustav Holst’s Saturn—to create a thrilling and imaginative soundscape. The piece explores “motion” in all its forms, from graceful and meditative to lively and dance-like, culminating in a majestic, otherworldly march. Inspired by the image of a three-legged alien proudly marching through time, the final section breaks free from traditional rhythms, evoking a sense of wonder, humor, and celestial energy.
Mile High Overture
| Brian Pfoltner
Written to commemorate The Denver Brass’s 40th Anniversary Season, Mile High Overture embodies the ensemble’s iconic sound while celebrating the beauty and vitality of Colorado. Drawing inspiration from the state’s majestic landscapes and exhilarating outdoor spirit, the piece alternates between moments of peaceful contemplation and bursts of rhythmic energy that mirror activities like skiing and white-water rafting. The work builds to a triumphant finale—an exhilarating musical summit that captures the awe of reaching the peak of a Colorado fourteener.
The Man with the Golden Trumpet
| Sean Schafer Hennessy
The Man with the Golden Trumpet is both a celebration and a remembrance — a dazzling musical tribute to Joe Docksey, our beloved Principal Trumpet Emeritus. In true Joe fashion, this piece honors his extraordinary legacy not with sorrow, but with sparkle, wit, and that unmistakable Denver Brass flair — shaken, not stirred.
The suite unfolds like a Bond film brought to life through brass, rhythm, and style. The opening movement, “From Brazil with Love,” whisks listeners into a whirlwind of Latin energy — a chase through the lively streets of Rio, filled with suave bossas and irresistible grooves. Picture Joe, tuxedo sharp and trumpet gleaming, cutting through the night air with melodies as smooth as 007 himself.
In the second movement, “For Your Ears Only, My Love: Sands of Seduction,” the mood turns sultry and romantic. The Denver Brass channels its inner spy as it transports audiences to the shimmering shores of Brazil, where passion, danger, and charm intertwine in musical intrigue.
The finale, “License to Trumpet,” bursts forth with unrelenting energy — a full brass-powered license to thrill. With humor, style, and an unshakable sense of joy, this movement celebrates the laughter, love, and lasting musical legacy Joe left behind.
Wind from the Mountain
| Conni Elisor
Commissioned by The Denver Brass and composed by Denver native Conni Elinor, Wind from the Mountain is a deeply moving and personal work inspired by the Chinook winds that cascade down the Rocky Mountains in autumn and early winter. Written a year after the loss of her mother, Elinor uses the winds as a metaphor for healing—blowing away the past and guiding the spirit toward peace. The music journeys through stages of grief and renewal, from somber and searching passages to a final, prayerful resolution. The result is an uplifting reflection on the power of nature, remembrance, and emotional release.
Brass & Stone
| Charles Denler
Brass & Stone is a thrilling new suite for large brass ensemble, percussion, stones, and synthesizer—an evocative tribute to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Composed by Charles Denler, this three-movement work captures both the strength and serenity of Colorado’s natural landscape through striking sound textures and imaginative performance elements.
The opening movement, “Brass & Stone Fanfare,” sets the tone with a commanding display of brass power, echoing the sheer mass and majesty of the mountains. Iron pipes are struck with real stones—amplified with delay and reverb—to create a raw, metallic resonance that mirrors the rugged terrain.
In “Bells on Golden Meadows,” the music softens, evoking open alpine meadows and the gentle chime of distant bells. Here, the brass calls out gracefully over shimmering tones produced by small and large pipes, conjuring a sense of calm and expansive beauty.
The final movement, “Brass & Stone Finale,” brings the suite to a breathtaking conclusion. Brass and stone converge in a powerful crescendo that fills the hall with reverberating energy—an exhilarating musical depiction of nature’s force and majesty.
Top of the World
| Andy Wolfe
Top of the World is a joyful and uplifting celebration of life, written in honor of Joe Docksey, Principal Trumpet Emeritus of The Denver Brass, and his wife, Nancy Docksey. Rather than serving as a farewell, the piece radiates the spirit of triumph, resilience, and joy that Joe and Nancy brought to every note, every friendship, and every performance.
From the opening fanfare calls to its soaring, virtuosic brass lines, the music brims with energy and forward motion. Driving triplet rhythms propel the piece onward, creating a feeling of unstoppable momentum — much like the Dockseys’ own unwavering passion for music and life.
Moments of reverence and remembrance are woven throughout, offering space for reflection amid the brilliance and excitement. As the music builds to its climactic finale, it embodies the full range of emotion — strength, struggle, resilience, and ultimately triumph.