Empire Brass Explained

Empire Brass
Landscape:yes
Background:classical_ensemble
Origin:Massachusetts, U.S.
Years Active:1971–present
Current Members:
  • Derek Lockhart
  • Eric Berlin
  • Victor Sungarian
  • Greg Spiridopoulos
  • Kenneth Amis
Past Members:
  • Mark Hetzler
  • Luiz Garcia
  • Eric Ruske
  • Rolf Smedvig
  • Charles Lewis
  • Gregory Miller
  • David Ohanian
  • Mark H. Lawrence
  • Scott A. Hartman
  • Michelle Perry
  • Sam Pilafian
  • Martin Hackleman
  • Jeffrey Curnow
  • Norman Bolter
  • Lawrence Isaacson
  • Douglas Wright
  • Timothy Morrison

Empire Brass is a brass quintet from the United States. The group was founded in 1971. The original members met at Tanglewood Music Center (in Lenox, Massachusetts) in 1970.[1]

Description and history

The quintet chose its name after performing in New York City. (New York is the Empire State.) They continue to tour regularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. They have been the Faculty Quintet-in-Residence at Boston University since 1976.[2]

The Empire Brass have appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.[3] They also make joint concert appearances with organist Douglas Major.[4]

Members

As of May 2015, its members include:

Previous members include:

Discography

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Rolf Smedvig, 62; virtuoso trumpeter who cofounded renowned brass quintet . May 8, 2015. Boston Globe. May 5, 2015.
  2. News: Wise . Brian. Rolf Smedvig, Trumpeter Who Founded Empire Brass, Dies at 63. May 8, 2015. WQXR-FM. April 28, 2015. The quintet was a co-winner of the Naumberg Chamber Music Award in 1976 and had also begun a long-term residency at Boston University..
  3. Book: Woodstra. Chris. Brennan . Gerald. Allen. Schrott . All Music Guide to Classical Music. 2005. Hal Leonard Corporation . 9780879308650 . 417.
  4. News: Acton. Nancy. Major weekend treat for organ music lovers. The Royal Gazette. April 21, 2006. May 8, 2015.
  5. Web site: Sam Pilafian, Tuba Maestro of Multiple Genres, Dies at 69. Sandomir. Richard. April 12, 2019. The New York Times. December 4, 2020.