Academy Brass Ensemble in Free Concert
For Immediate Release July 7, 2009
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 Hahn Hall on Wednesday, July 22. Featuring works by John Williams, Eric Ewazen, Henri Tomasi, Cynthia Gray, and Music Academy alumnus Anthony Plog, among others, the concert will begin at 7:30 pm.
Led by Mark Lawrence, former principal trombone of the San Francisco Symphony, the Academy Brass Ensemble consists of 20 exceptional brass players and percussionists. All are participating in the Music Academy's 2009 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."
As part of its 62nd Summer Festival, the Music Academy also will present an ambitious production of Ambroise Thomas' charming French Romantic opera Mignon, as well as performances by conductor Leonard Slatkin and the Takács Quartet. The Academy is presenting more than 190 events over the course of this year's Summer School and Festival, which began June 22 and concludes on August 15. Additional highlights will include a performance by Canadian Brass and conducting turns by George Manahan, Nicholas McGegan, and Alexander Mickelthwate. Featuring the Academy's exceptionally talented Fellows, together with illustrious guest performers and faculty, the events will be 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, 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 began broadcasting live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
