That fascination with darker or morally complex characters carries directly into the music. Rather than presenting villains as one-dimensional figures, the program explores the tension between harm and humanity. Warren points to The Phantom of the Opera as a key example. 

“The Phantom is deeply wounded, and while that doesn’t excuse his actions, it helps us understand them. The tension comes from that uneasy balance, hoping he might choose redemption, while knowing just how dangerous he can be.” 

This layered approach extends to the concert’s repertoire. Pieces like The Perfect Fool reflect a different kind of “rogue”: the court jester, hired to mock and provoke for the sake of entertainment. Though not truly evil, the fool walks a dangerous line, pushing boundaries for comedic effect, sometimes with fatal consequences. These nuanced character types allow the program to move beyond simple good-versus-evil storytelling.

When it comes to selecting and adapting music, Warren focuses on pieces that naturally align with the theme rather than forcing them into it. Works are chosen and arranged in advance, ensuring they suit both the narrative and the brass ensemble format. Familiar titles like Skyfall and Mack the Knife help anchor the program, offering audiences recognizable entry points into the darker atmosphere of the concert while maintaining the integrity of brass band traditions.

Sustaining intensity across an entire performance, however, requires contrast. While danger and suspense are central, the program also weaves in moments of beauty, humour, and even redemption. Lighter elements, such as the playful energy of Tam O’Shanter, keep the experience dynamic and engaging, preventing the theme from becoming overwhelming or predictable.

Film and musical theatre selections also play an important role in broadening the concert’s appeal. While brass ensembles have a long tradition of performing original works, transcriptions of well-known pieces help make performances more accessible. Recognizable melodies invite new audiences in, creating a bridge between familiar stories and the rich, powerful sound of brass music.

Audiences can also expect a few surprises beyond the music itself. Warren hints that some of the most unexpected moments may come through his onstage introductions, where seemingly ordinary subjects are revealed to have strange or sinister backstories.

Framing the program through classic villain archetypes adds another layer of intrigue. The “evil mastermind” emerges in the world of Bond, the Phantom stands as the wounded antihero, the Perfect Fool embodies the trickster, and Carmen takes on the role of the seductive force leading others toward ruin. Other pieces in the program carry their own secrets, ones that will only be fully revealed in performance.

In the end, Intrada Brass’ exploration of villains and rogues is less about celebrating darkness and more about examining it. By pairing tension with beauty, and danger with moments of humanity, the concert invites audiences to reflect on why these characters continue to captivate, and what they reveal about themselves.

The concert takes place Sunday April 26th at St. John’s United Church from 3-5 p.m.