Internationally recognized chamber music ensemble the American Brass Quintet will join West Liberty University for two special performances, Oct. 25 and 26. Both concerts are free and open to the public.
The American Brass Quintet will perform with the WLU Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Matthew Inkster, professor of music, in a special concert at the new J.B. Chambers Performing Arts Center, Wheeling Park High School, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25. Both the Young Patriots choral group and the Wheeling Park High School Band will be featured in this performance.
The American Brass Quintet will perform again, in Elbin Auditorium, College Hall, West Liberty, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26. This concert features the American Brass Quintet solo.
“We are proud to host the American Brass Quintet and invite all music lovers to join us for one or both of these shows. West Liberty has a history of excellence in music education and we are especially pleased to perform at Wheeling Park High School on their new stage,” Inkster said, who has been with WLU for nine years now and is a resident of Wheeling.
Now in its 51st season, the American Brass Quintet is an icon in the brass world. Its rich history includes performances in Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and all 50 of the United States.
A discography of over fifty recordings; the premieres of over one-hundred contemporary brass works, and in the last decade, mini-residencies that have brought its chamber music expertise to countless young musicians and institutions worldwide. American Brass Quintet commissions by Samuel Adler, Bruce Adolphe, Daniel Asia, Jan Bach, Robert Beaser, William Bolcom, Elliott Carter, Jacob Druckman, Eric Ewazen, and many others are considered among the most significant contributions to the modern brass quintet repertoire.
Equally 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 at the Aspen Music Festival since 1970.
Since 2001 the Quintet has offered its expertise in chamber music performance with a program of mini-residencies as part of its regular touring season. Designed to offer young groups and individuals an intense chamber music experience over several days, the mini-residencies have been embraced by schools and communities throughout the United States and internationally.
Professor Inkster is the director of Instrumental Activities and Wind Ensemble at West Liberty University and plays the trumpet. The Division of Music at West Liberty University offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music performance, and music technology. Among its ensembles are University Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and The Hilltopper Marching Band. For more information, please call 304-336-8930 or visit the webpage, westliberty.edu/music.