
Academy Brass Ensemble to Present
Free Concert July 23
Event will take place in the Academy's glorious new Hahn Hall
For Immediate Release July 9, 2008
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – The Academy Brass Ensemble will present a free concert at the Music Academy of the West's newly renovated Hahn Hall on Wednesday, July 23. The concert will take place at 7:30 pm and feature works by Richard Strauss, Debussy, and Shostakovich, among others.
Led by Mark Lawrence, former principal trombone of the San Francisco Symphony, the Academy Brass Ensemble consists of 18 exceptional brass players and percussionists. All are participating in the Music Academy's 2008 Summer School and Festival.
"These are truly the stars of tomorrow in the worlds of brass and percussion," said Mr. Lawrence, who is an active soloist, clinician, chamber musician, and teacher. "This concert will provide an excellent showcase for their talents."
The Music Academy will present the West Coast premiere of William Bolcom's opera A Wedding as well as performances by conductor Peter Oundjian and the Takács Quartet as part of the Academy's 61st Summer Festival. The Academy is presenting 188 events over the course of its 2008 Summer School and Festival, which began June 23 and will conclude on August 16. Additional highlights will include a performance by the Canadian Brass, and conducting turns by Nicholas McGegan, Anne Manson, and Daniel Hege. Featuring the Academy's exceptionally talented Fellows, together with illustrious guest performers and faculty, the events are presented at the Academy's scenic Miraflores campus and in venues throughout Santa Barbara.
For information, call 969-8787. Information is also available online at www.musicacademy.org.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy will broadcast live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall beginning in October. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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