At the time of its founding in 1995, none of the members of World Brass realised that one of the most interesting brass ensembles of the time had been formed. They began with the idea to continue in the tradition of the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra - of which all of the musicians were members - and work on repertoire together with musicians from all over the globe in order to present musical works at a world class level. What for many ensembles serves to their disadvantage, led in World Brass's case to a congenial association: the diverse background and educational experience of the musicians proved to be a most interesting combination. Each of the musicians views him- or herself in terms of the group - the ensemble has no single "star". This factor enables World Brass to perform chamber music at an extremely high level and doesn't limit the formation- one-sided entertainment-oriented virtuoso offerings, although this kind of work of course does have its place in the group's repertoire! In its relatively short career, World Brass has continually contributed to the expansion of the brass repertoire. Through commissions for brass arrangements as well as for original works, the group seeks to cut new paths in the brass literature. Concert programs consist mainly of the groups' "own" works. The performers are not hindered by ideological blind spots - the repertory touches on all areas of the musical world. The programmatic motto remains the same as it appeared on the cover of their first recording "Von festlich bis fetzig" which roughly translates as "From festive to funky" (ami 970/1). The intention is to entertain their audience and at the same time demonstrate the formation's many strengths - from the more serious to the most crazy. They dare to tread the thin line between musical seriousness and wit, without falling into the trap of virtuoso vanity or giving in to the kind of deadly seriousness which can be so typically German.