ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½βs Trumpet Ensemble sounded a new note at the Schagerl International Brass Festival in Melk, Austriaβfive songs worth of new notes, to be exact. On June 2, the ensemble performed five songs inside Stift Melk, a 1,000-year-old abbey.
All of the pieces were written specifically for the ensemble to perform at this event. Four of the pieces were written by ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ faculty, grad students and alumni.
βWe are performing with the greatest brass soloists, ensembles and teachers that Europe has to offer,β says John Almeida, the ensembleβs director, βand we are featured guests, hereβjust like they are.β And ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½βs is the only American ensemble performing at the festival.
The ensemble played so well, they received four curtain calls and a 10-minute applause, as well as recognition from European musicians. The ensemble is to be included on the DVD for the festival.
They also were asked to perform two special actsβone is to play trumpet fanfares on the new Bastion of Stift Melk, the other is to join a large brass ensemble to play the Grand Finale concert on June 4.
The ensemble will end their trip by travelling to Mozartβs birthplace of Salzburg for a special trumpet masterclass at the Mozart Conservatory.
βThis trip is a life-changing experience for our students. I am so proud of them and all of the hard work and many hours of practice they put into this project,β Almeida said.