Southern Oregon University’s Department of Performing Arts’ Music Program proudly presents the SOU Brass Ensemble with guest ensemble, the Rogue Valley Symphony Brass Quintet, in a concert titled “The King of Instruments Meets the Instrument of Kings” on Wednesday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the SOU Music Recital Hall.
The show will feature several works ranging from the Baroque to the contemporary, with pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach and Giovanni Gabrieli. There will also be an opportunity to hear “Mutations From Bach,” an astounding work by American composer, Samuel Barber. Jennifer Higdon’s Pulitzer Prize winning piece, “Concerto for Brass and Organ”, which has never been heard in the Rogue Valley, will also be featured. Other merits of the event include Emeritus Professor of Music Dr. Margaret Evans as the featured organist.
“The King of Instruments Meets the Instrument of Kings” is in reference to the unique sound of brass instruments and the pipe organ together. The pipe organ in the SOU Music Recital Hall is a massive instrument in both size and sound, installed in 1974.
“This mix of experienced players and students brings a unique dynamic to all the parties,” said ensemble director and SOU faculty Cynthia Hutton. “We will be bouncing years of experience off SOU student musicians and sharing our passion for music, our serious intent and dedication to the great brass repertoire. Wind players, brass lovers, and anyone who loves organ music will love this opportunity. It is a rare gift to hear music of this scale and magnitude locally.” Hutton, a trumpeter, joins Bruce Dresser, Mark Jacobs, Mike Knox and Eric Osberg as a member of the Rogue Valley Symphony Brass Quintet.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and free to full-time students. The Performing Arts Box Office is located in the Theatre Arts Building lobby. Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card over the phone by calling 541-552-6348 or online at sou.edu/performingarts. Contact the box office for discounts offered to SOU alumni, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute participants and SNAP/Oregon Trail cardholders.
