The American Brass Quintet (ABQ) celebrates its 50th anniversary this season as The Chicago Chamber Musicians (CCM) begins its 25th anniversary season. The two premier chamber music ensembles are marking these milestones by performing in CCM's season opener this September. The special concert also features resident quartet CCM BRASS, with guest artists Gabrielle Webster, horn; Matthew Gaunt, tuba; and Randall Hawes, bass trombone.
“The members of CCM BRASS have always wanted to collaborate with the American Brass Quintet,” said CCM BRASS Member and CCM Artistic Co-Director Charles Geyer. “We’ve been friends and colleagues with the members of ABQ for many years, and now it’s a perfect time to do this because ABQ is celebrating their 50th year of existence and CCM is celebrating our 25th. This grand brass concert will be like a fanfare to open our special anniversary season.”
In addition to Geyer on trumpet, CCM BRASS includes Barbara Butler on trumpet, Gail Williams on horn, and Michael Mulcahy on trombone. Members of the American Brass Quintet are Raymond Mase, trumpet; Kevin Cobb, trumpet; David Wakefield, horn; Michael Powell, trombone; and John D. Rojak, bass trombone.
CCM's season opener showcases signature ABQ literature, including pieces from their CD In Gabrieli’s Day, and spotlights CCM trumpet Barbara Butler on James Stephenson’s fresh and energizing Call and CCM Founding Artist Gail Williams on horn in Bujanovsky’s Espan᷈a, a work characterizing the composer’s voyages in Spain.
The program also includes traditional and contemporary brass repertoire from Paul Dukas, Joan Tower, Anthony Plog, Richard Strauss, Michael Tilson Thomas and Giovanni Gabrieli.
Performances are at 7:30 pm on Sunday, September 25 at Evanston's Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at Northwestern University (50 Arts Circle Drive) and Monday, September 26 at Chicago's Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E Randolph Drive).
Tickets are $25-$45 and $10 for students. To order, call 312-225-5226 or visit chicagochambermusic.org.
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