Richard Stoelzel demonstrates for a student: his translator, trumpet student Simon, is in the middle

Richard Stoelzel, Artist Faculty and Professor of Trumpet at Grand Valley State University was invited to Beijing’s prestigious Central Conservatory of Music by Professor Zhonghui Dai of the Central Conservatory and Principal Trumpet of the China National Symphony. Stoelzel presented two recitals, four masterclasses and one lecture from September 20-29th, 2004.

Twenty-three students performed during the masterclasses for 30 minutes each. Student performances including such works as: Tomasi, Concerto; Kennan, Sonata; Halsey Stevens, Sonata; Arutunian, Concerto; Hindemith, Sonata; Enesco, Legend; Bach’s Second Brandenburg Concerto and numerous etudes and orchestral excerpts. Students from ages fifteen to twenty- two performed in the masterclasses. Mr. Stoelzel worked well with each student and was able to significantly help each student at every level. He described the background of each work and spoke about phrasing and basic fundamental details of performance practice including articulation, pitch, and rhythm as well as note-grouping ideas. Stoelzel gave excellent demonstrations for each student. Over 50 people attended each class including students and many visiting professors from other cities and conservatories in China such as the Shen Yang Conservatory and Shanghai Conservatory. Stoelzel’s masterclasses stimulated each student’s mind. Many in attendance spoke of having been inspired by this master teacher: he was a wealth of knowledge.

Richard Stoelzel with the faculty and students: Zhonghui Dai is front row, far right

Numerous performances were given by Professor Stoelzel over the course of the week. He performed in each masterclass as well as two recitals. His wonderful lyricism, warm sound and beautiful musical phrasing was impressive to all in attendance. His programming for the recitals was enlightening. He performed six Chinese premieres that included works by Robert Bradshaw, Eric Ewazen, James Stephenson, Verne Reynolds, Bruce Broughton, Joseph Turrin and Aaron Copeland. He performed many works from his recently released solo disc “Born To Be Mild”. His performances were dazzling and virtousic. He was joined in both recitals by Professor Zhonghui Dai on wonderfully performed renditions of Franseschini’s Concerto for Two Trumpets, Copland’s Quiet City and an impressive performance of Verne Reynolds Calls and Echoes. Stoelzel proved himself to be both a master teacher and performer. This event followed earlier masterclasses by Philip Smith, James Thompson, Michael Sachs, Pierre Dutot and Jens Lindemann.

Websites:
Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing (in Chinese and English)
Music at Grand Valley State University
Richard Stoelzel at GVSU
Richard Stoelzel - personal site