Music at Hamilton College series to host American Brass Quintet

Hamilton College will present the American BrassQuintet on Friday, November 1, 1997 at 8:00 pm in Wellin Hall, Schambach Center for the Performing Arts. When it comes to brass quintets, there is only one thatNewsweek magazine has hailed as "The High Priests of Brass." Newsweek went on to note that there are now dozens of brass quintets that perform regularly, butthe American Brass Quintet was one of the "founding fathers of the back-to-brassmovement."

Founded in 1960, the ABQ celebrates its 37th anniversary during the 1997-98season and is the longest continuously performing brass quintet in NorthAmerica. Almost since its inception, the ABQ has toured both nationally andinternationally and has performed in virtually all of the world's major cities,concert halls and major music festivals. The ABQ also presents a formalconcert series in New York City each season and is the only brass quintet everpresented on PBS Live from Lincoln Center.

Currently comprised of Raymond Mase & Chris Gekker (trumpets), DavidWakefield (horn), Michael Powell (trombone) and John Rojak (bass trombone), theABQ recently made its 42nd recording adding even more repertoire to thelargest body of serious brass chamber music ever recorded by one ensemble.Past members of the ABQ have included such legendary brass players as GeraldSchwartz, Robert Biddlecome and Louis Ranger.

Performing a broad range of repertoire from Renaissance to accessiblecontemporary American, the American Brass Quintet is Ensemble-in-Residence bothof The Juilliard School and The Aspen Music Festival.

Tickets for the American Brass Quintet are $15 for adults and $5 for students.They made be obtained by calling (315) 859-4350.