Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Anyone looking for a change from the usual Christmas concerts will want to check out this show of seasonal standards performed by ten of the world’s best trumpeters. Founded by German piccolo-trumpet maestro Otto Sauter, Ten of the Best approach music as if they were an orchestra, featuring no less than five of the instruments in different registers. Since launching in 1991, the ensemble has become a crossover classical sensation, performing at FIFA soccer events and jamming with pop stars. The soaring Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall is just the place to suspend your sarcasm for rousing, irony-free renditions of the likes of “Joy to the World” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You.”

Ten of the Best
International trumpet ensemble performs Yuletide tunes. Dec 23, 2pm, ¥4,500-¥6,500. Tokyo Opera City, Hatsudai. Tel: Kajimoto e-plus 0570-06-9960.