Boston Brass and Imani Winds Collaborate for Akron Concert

The acclaimed chamber ensembles will perform a new work by jazz legend Arturo Sandoval.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 11:07am

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Two renowned chamber music groups, Boston Brass and Imani Winds, are joining forces to perform a concert series in Akron, Ohio as part of the Tuesday Musical series. The highlight of the program is a newly commissioned three-movement piece titled "Metales y Maderas" ("Metals and Woods") composed by legendary jazz trumpeter and composer Arturo Sandoval specifically for the collaboration between the brass quintet and woodwind quintet.

Why it matters

The concert showcases the versatility and creativity of chamber music, blending classical, jazz, and Latin American influences. It also demonstrates the importance of commissioning new works to expand the limited repertoire available for brass and woodwind quintets performing together.

The details

Boston Brass and Imani Winds have performed together periodically over the years, and the Sandoval commission came about through a connection between the groups' administrators. In addition to the Sandoval piece, the program will feature a mix of classical, American Songbook, and Latin American compositions performed separately and together as a 10-piece ensemble.

  • The concert will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Boston Brass is approaching its 40th anniversary, while Imani Winds is nearing 30 years as an ensemble.

The players

Boston Brass

A brass quintet approaching its 40th anniversary as an acclaimed chamber ensemble.

Imani Winds

A woodwind quintet nearing 30 years as an internationally recognized chamber group.

Arturo Sandoval

A legendary jazz trumpeter and composer who wrote the new three-movement work "Metales y Maderas" specifically for Boston Brass and Imani Winds.

Jeff Connor

Trumpet player of Boston Brass, who has known Imani Winds' Monica Ellis for years and helped facilitate the collaboration.

Monica Ellis

Bassoonist of Imani Winds, who worked with Boston Brass's Jeff Connor to bring the two groups together for this concert.

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What they’re saying

“To have one of the greatest musicians in the world write a piece for us. We've had a lot of fun playing that.”

— Jeff Connor, Trumpet player, Boston Brass

“We're always just talking about what it's like to run these things.”

— Monica Ellis, Bassoonist, Imani Winds

“Chamber music can almost be a little frightening of a word. This shouldn't be at all. It's very informal. We're all about having a great time, and we get to share some of our favorite music with people, which means a lot.”

— Jeff Connor, Trumpet player, Boston Brass

What’s next

Tickets are available now at tuesdaymusical.org for the February 10th concert featuring Boston Brass and Imani Winds at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron.

The takeaway

This collaboration between two acclaimed chamber ensembles demonstrates the power of commissioning new works to expand the limited repertoire for brass and woodwind quintets, while also showcasing the versatility and accessibility of chamber music for audiences.