On June 8, 2026, Seraph Brass arrived in Japan, opening their tour in Hokkaido the following day and going on to perform 16 concerts across the country before closing in Tokyo on July 1.
Comprising five women at the forefront of leading U.S. orchestras and conservatories, Seraph Brass has earned recognition from international music media for its exceptional technique and musical sophistication. For Mary Elizabeth Bowden (trumpet, leader), Morgen Low (trumpet), Layan Atieh (horn), Lauren Casey-Clyde (trombone), and Robyn Black (tuba), this was their first visit to Japan.
The program ranged widely — from works written for brass quintet to orchestral classics, arias from Puccini operas, and a medley drawn from Bernstein’s West Side Story, alongside a specially arranged medley of celebrated works by female artists, created for the Min-On tour. Rich, full-bodied sound filled each hall, and the group’s precision and warmth proved equally compelling. At encores, the group’s performance of Ue wo Muite Arukou prompted spontaneous clapping from the audience, bringing each evening to a quietly moving close.
Audience responses reflected the depth of the experience. One attendee, drawn by curiosity about an all-female brass ensemble, described being struck by the performers’ smiles at the end of each piece, and by how the group balanced the natural power of brass with a gentler, distinctive tone. Another spoke of being moved by the way the five musicians seemed to be lifting each other — and of feeling a surge of gratitude toward Min-On’s founder for creating the conditions that make such encounters possible.
On June 16, the group visited the Min-On Culture Center, where they met with Min-On President Yamaguchi. Leader Mary Elizabeth Bowden reflected on the origins of the ensemble: forming an all-female group had long been a dream, she said, one that became reality in 2014, and the five have been growing together ever since. She was also moved by a message from an audience member who had arrived at a concert feeling low and left feeling restored. Other members echoed her warmth, with one saying she deeply identified with Min-On’s mission that music can cross borders and deepen mutual understanding, and another simply noting how much it meant to be greeted everywhere with such genuine, open smiles.
The final Tokyo performance on July 1 drew diplomatic representatives from 20 countries alongside a full house of concertgoers. Afterward, members described being genuinely moved by young audience members asking for autographs on their instrument cases, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of Min-On’s long work of connecting people through music.
The group departed Japan on July 2.
Min-On extends its heartfelt appreciation to all those who attended the performances, as well as to everyone whose support contributed to the success of the tour.
Seraph Brass
・Mary Elizabeth Bowden (Leader, Trumpet)
・Morgen Low (Trumpet)
・Layan Atieh (Horn)
・Lauren Casey-Clyde (Trombone)
・Robyn Black (Tuba)