InConcert Sierra presents American Brass Quintet concert

InConcert Sierra’s season opening concert features the American Brass Quintet on Sunday, October 19 at 2pm.

The American Brass Quintet (ABQ), widely recognized around the world as the premier, and most venerable, professional American brass ensemble. Since its founding in 1960, the American Brass Quintet has performed on five continents, made nearly 60 recordings, and premiered more than 150 contemporary works for brass. ABQ has been the Ensemble-in-Residence at The Juilliard School since 1987 and at the Aspen Music Festival since 1970.

The ABQ is considered unusual because it uses a bass trombone instead of the more traditional tuba for its lowest voice.  Their decision to use a bass trombone is a conscious artistic choice and has significantly influenced other brass quintets and the modern brass repertoire. While the tuba is still generally the standard low brass instrument, the ABQ’s legacy has cemented the use of the bass trombone as a respected alternative.

Their program on Sunday will not include the traditional famed classical composers such as, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms because the modern brass quintet only became standard in the mid-20th century. Therefore, the repertoire for the American Brass Quintet consists mostly of unfamiliar composers. Yet according to ABQ bass trombonist John Rojak, these composers have brought audiences into a sonic world of color, surprising subtleties, and variety. 

Rojak said that the program includes “Jennifer Higdon’s ‘Ramp Up’ that can elicit gasps, as the quintet is left as breathless as the listeners. ‘Samsara’ by Anthony Barfield begins with lyricism, then morphs into a joyous celebration of the cycle of life. Composer Philip Lasser has challenged the quintet to speak not only with instruments, but also to recite poetry interspersed among the movements.”

He continued with a few other examples, such as “‘Dance Movements’ by David Snow that is an homage to the noted composer Stravinsky and is suitable to choreography, if anyone feels inclined; and David Biedenbender’s ‘Sacred Geometry’ is a new masterpiece which has elements of serenity, lush sonority, whimsy, and funk.

Rojak said, “Perhaps hearing these pieces will inspire further exploration of these composers and of brass chamber music.”

InConcert Sierra hopes so and looks forward to presenting the high caliber performance of the American Brass Quintet.

In August, ABQ members Brandon Ridenour, trumpet; Eric Reed, horn; Hillary Simms, trombone; and John D. Rojak, welcomed Brazilian trumpeter Tiago Linck—the first Latin American member of the quintet—to its line-up. Mr. Linck takes the place of longtime trumpeter Kevin Cobb who joined the group in 1998.

“It is a tremendous honor to join the American Brass Quintet, an ensemble whose legacy has profoundly shaped the landscape of brass chamber music. As someone who was deeply inspired by ABQ’s recordings throughout my formative years, becoming part of this remarkable group is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” said Tiago Linck.

There will be a 1:15 pre-concert forum prior to the 2pm concert.

Since its founding in 1946, InConcert Sierra has brought world-class classical music to the Sierra Nevada Region. The organization offers outreach programs, educational opportunities, and collaborations to inspire a passion for classical music. ICS is currently constructing the Crown Point Venues, which will include a new acoustic concert hall, conference center, and black box theater.