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Thursday, May 22 – 7:30pm Joseph Bowman, reporter Joy. It is a word that best describes what will be remembered as one of the finest evenings of music at an ITG Conference. This concert was a celebration of the trumpet, its players, and their music. Front and center for the entire evening was the Dallas Wind Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Jerry Junkin, which played with style and virtuosity that can be matched by few. David Hickman, Patrick Addinall, and Jens Lindemann were equally outstanding, and the time was taken to honor Leonard Candelaria and Raymond Crisara with ITG Awards of Merit.
The concert opened with Fanfare of Pride and Joy by Tibor Polgar(conducted by ITG Vice President/President Elect Stephen Chenette), which featured the Dallas Wind Symphony and twelve additional trumpeters lined up behind the group. The music filled the massive space of St. Stephens Presbyterian Church (which is the size of a large cathedral) with a triumphant sound that washed over the standing room only crowd of over 1000. The ensemble followed with Millennium Canons by Kevin Puts, which included many sweeping gestures that were played with beautiful clarity. In a large performing space, this can sometimes be an issue, but all voices could be equally heard. Of special note were the lovely saxophone passages, which were performed with great finesse. Junkin then announced that the first soloist for the evening needed no introduction. David Hickman entered to a thunderous ovation, and performed with his signature style and flair on Jolivet’s Concerto No. 2, one of the most demanding works in the repertoire. For many young people in the audience, this was their first exposure to a man that many consider to be one of the preeminent soloists of our time. Hickman’s opening harmon mute solo evoked images of gypsies marching. The subtle musicality of his phrasing fit perfectly with the Jolivet, which demands such shadings and textures. Hickman finished and received a warm and heartfelt ovation.
Following Hickman’s performance, the final work on the first half featured BBC Philharmonic principal Patrick Addinall in the world premiere of Concerto for Trumpet by Ivor Hodgson. Written in four movements, the work is a tour de force for trumpet, which Addinall negotiated with strength and vibrancy that left the audience breathless. There were several wonderful moments in the second movement that featured muted trumpet intertwined with other melodic elements in the winds. Addinall was greatly admired for his performance last year with the BBC at the Manchester conference, and made a similar wonderful showing this year.
After intermission, ITG President Vince DiMartino took a moment to honor two legends in the trumpet world who have made significant contributions to ITG and their profession. Leonard Candelaria and Raymond Crisara were each presented the ITG Award of Merit. Candelaria was the first to be recognized, and gave a heartfelt acceptance, saying, “I’ve been grateful for the chance to serve.” Dimartino then introduced Crisara to the audience. Crisara gave an emotional speech that was well received.“It’s been rewarding to spend my life playing and teaching,” said Crisara, “I consider all of us trumpet players to be the luckiest people on earth.” The second half featured Jens Lindemann performing Allen Vizzutti’s The Rising Sun. Lindemann mentioned at the outset that the work was originally written for Vince DiMartino and that “playing this piece in front of Vince, you (the audience) don’t want to be me right now!” Then, in typical Lindemann fashion, he gave a stunning performance. The opening piccolo section was energetic and enthusiastic. Lindemann credited David Hickman with influencing his piccolo playing, and the results were simply spectacular. A rich tone with velvety smoothness yet still brilliant. The middle section offered Jens a chance to play flugelhorn. He played with nuance and emotion throughout. The final section, on B-flat trumpet, slowly ascended and accelerated to a dramatic bravura conclusion. During the cadenza, Jens even paused after a high note to say “Hey! It’s a trumpet conference!” and took the phrase up yet another octave. It was one of the most memorable performances ITG has seen these many years.
The Dallas Wind Symphony ended the evening with the Finale from Symphony No. 3 by Aaron Copland. The winds, brass, and percussion each had moments to shine in this fitting conclusion to a perfect evening. As an encore, they played a rousing march. Following the concert, it was memorable to hear those in attendance find fitting words to describe this most amazing evening of music. The wonderful Dallas Wind Symphony, the opportunity to hear three of the best trumpet soloists in the world, and the honoring of two trumpet legends made this an evening to treasure. |
Trumpet Prelude: The University of Kansas Jayhawk Fantasia by John Prescott Scaling Mount Oread by Carl Johnson Members Program Fanfare of Pride and Joy (1982) - Tibor Polgar Millennium Canons (2001) - Kevin Puts Concerto for Trumpet (2003) - Ivor Hodgson INTERMISSION Concerto No. 2 (1954) - André Jolivet The Rising Sun - Allen Vizzutti Finale from Symphony No. 3 (1946) - Aaron Copland
Click here for ITG Award details.
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