About Us
The Peg-City Brass 5tet is a Winnipeg-based chamber ensemble dedicated to sharing the energy, versatility, and artistry of brass chamber music throughout Manitoba. Through performances, educational initiatives, and community outreach, the ensemble strives to make high-quality brass music accessible to diverse audiences while inspiring and supporting the next generation of musicians.
The quintet features trumpeters Justine Auger and Daniel Lehmann, hornist Rachel Côté, trombonist Eric Prodger, and tubist Takumi Hayashi. Together, the members bring a wealth of professional experience, having performed with many of Canada’s leading orchestras as both members and substitute musicians, including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, Kingston Symphony Orchestra, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra.
The ensemble’s members have studied at some of North America’s most respected institutions, including Indiana University, McGill University, Northwestern University, the New England Conservatory, the University of Ottawa, the University of Manitoba, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the University of British Columbia, and The Glenn Gould School. They have also participated in prestigious training programs and festivals such as the Tanglewood Music Center, Orchestre de la Francophonie, the National Arts Centre Orchestra Mentorship Program, the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, PRISMA, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute at Whistler, and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
Founded through a shared passion for chamber music, the Peg-City Brass 5tet believes in the power of music to connect communities, foster learning, and inspire audiences of all ages. The ensemble is committed to reaching listeners beyond traditional concert halls, bringing engaging performances and educational experiences to schools, community centres, rural communities, and underserved audiences throughout Manitoba.
Reflecting Winnipeg’s vibrant Francophone community, the ensemble proudly incorporates French into its artistic and educational programming. With Québec-born members Rachel Côté and Eric Prodger, the group offers performances, workshops, and outreach activities in both of Canada’s official languages, creating meaningful connections with French-speaking audiences across the province.
Dedicated to artistic excellence and community engagement, the Peg-City Brass 5tet fills an important role in Manitoba’s cultural landscape. Whether presenting concerts, leading masterclasses, offering side-by-side performance opportunities, or facilitating interactive workshops, the ensemble seeks to make brass music accessible, engaging, and relevant while contributing to the continued growth and vitality of Manitoba’s musical community.