“The disc is a valuable historical document, as well as an inspiring artistic indulgence.” London Evening Standard on the second volume of Gabrieli’s Music for Brass (Naxos 8.553873) recorded by Eric Crees and the London Symphony Orchestra Brass for Naxos.

Eric Crees was born in London and studied at Wandsworth School where, as a choirboy, he worked with many distinguished professional orchestras and conductors. Whilst at school he joined the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and was awarded a scholarship to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

As a student, Eric Crees undertook an extensive period of work with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and upon graduating from the University of Surrey, he joined the London Symphony Orchestra. In September 2000, he was appointed Principal Trombone at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

As well as his orchestral work, Eric Crees is musical director of the London Symphony Orchestra Brass and is a frequent guest player with the London Brass and the London Sinfonietta.

Eric Crees is also professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London and in great demand as a juror at international competitions or as a coach for international youth orchestras and brass ensembles.

In his rôles as conductor and arranger, Eric Crees has worked with, for example, the Phillip Jones Brass Ensemble, the Black Dyke Mills Band and the Desford Colliery Band. Crees’ brass arrangements have received great acclaim and have been widely played and recorded. His arrangement of the Suite from Bernstein’s West Side Story has been recorded four times.

A performing edition of the complete Giovanni Gabrieli works for instrumental ensemble was prepared by Eric Crees and used in his three volumes of recordings on the Naxos label with the London Symphony Orchestra Brass. The edition is intended to make this splendid music more accessible to modern players—and listeners—whilst being faithful to Renaissance practice, an intention brass lovers heard amply realised in the ensemble’s radiant recordings.