Newburgh Chamber Music to present The American Brass Quintet

Posted 1/25/22

Join The American Brass Quintet on Jan. 30 for an afternoon of chamber music spanning the 15th to the 21st centuries.

The concert, which begins at 3 p.m. at St. George’s Church, 105 Grand …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Newburgh Chamber Music to present The American Brass Quintet

Posted

Join The American Brass Quintet on Jan. 30 for an afternoon of chamber music spanning the 15th to the 21st centuries.

The concert, which begins at 3 p.m. at St. George’s Church, 105 Grand St., in Newburgh, is sponsored by Newburgh Chamber Music.

The ensemble, recognized as one of the most accomplished chamber music groups in the world, will be making its first appearance with Newburgh Chamber Music. The program will range from selections of consort music from England’s Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, to pieces by contemporary artists, including the premiere of “Nautilus,” from “Sacred Geometry,” by David Biedenbender.

The New York Times recently wrote that “among North American brass ensembles none is more venerable than the American Brass Quintet,” while Newsweek has hailed the ensemble as “the high priests of brass.” Through its acclaimed performances, diverse programming, commissioning, extensive discography and educational mission, the American Brass Quintet has created a legacy unparalleled in the brass field.
The 2013 recipient of Chamber Music America’s highest honor, the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, ABQ’s rich history includes performances in Asia, Australia, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and all fifty of the United States; a discography of nearly sixty recordings; and the premieres of over one hundred fifty contemporary brass works.

In addition to English works by such composers as Thomas Morley, the program will feature a series of works by fifteenth century French Renaissance composer Josquin des Pres.

Two other contemporary composers join Biedenbender on the program: Eric Ewazen (“Colchester Fantasy”) and Donald York (“Quarantine Quintet”). Ewazen wrote his piece for the quintet while teaching in Colchester, England, in 1987, drawing inspiration from the history and culture of England’s oldest recorded town.

“Quarantine Quintet” is among the last works by York, who died last year. He composed it for The American Brass Quintet. York spent much of his career as a composer and conductor for the Paul Taylor Dance Company.

Committed to the promotion of brass chamber music through education, the American Brass Quintet has been in residence at The Juilliard School since 1987 and the Aspen Music Festival since 1970. Since 2000 the ABQ has offered its expertise in chamber music performance and training with a program of mini-residencies as part of its regular touring.

Tickets are available at the door (cash or check only) or online. Adults $25, Students $5. Admission free for Newburgh students with ID. Vaccinations (except for medical exemptions) and masks required. St. George’s is handicapped-accessible. Parking across the street. For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance, visit newburghchambermusic.org.

Newburgh Chamber Music invites audience members to bring instruments that they wish to donate to Valentina’s Instrument Donation Bank, to be repaired, if necessary, and given to Greater Newburgh Schools and music students. For further information, or to donate at another time, contact Dr. Joël Evans at evansj@newpaltz.edu or visit newburghchambermuisc.org.

During the 18-month period when the pandemic precluded live performances, Newburgh Chamber Music co-presented a series of concerts streamed from the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon. The ALIVEmusica series, a collaboration of Mid-Hudson chamber organizations led by the Howland Chamber Music Circle, is still available by visiting the NCM web site.