Spanning two concert seasons, a new trumpet concerto by Gloucester composer Robert J. Bradshaw will be performed throughout the USA and in many countries around the world. While still in its infancy, over 40 soloists have already expressed an interest or have begun programming the composition with orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber groups and piano.

 

Part I (upcoming 06-07 concert season)

Courage of the Olympian: messenger of peace
With the courage of the Olympian, Sarajevo rose again, like the phoenix, from the fiery ashes of war.

In 1984, Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics. Soon after, the city was destroyed by civil war. In the face of this tragedy, the citizens rebuilt their beautiful city - as they have had to do many times throughout their rich history. This composition celebrates their resiliency, determination, strength and courage.

The finale of the concerto is a brass and percussion fanfare titled Courage of the Olympian. Under the direction of Jefferey Renshaw and Dr. Reed Thomas, wind ensembles at the University of Connecticut and Middle Tennessee State University (respectively), will be performing Courage of the Olympian during the upcoming 2006-2007 concert season. MTSU is also the first wind ensemble to join the Concerto Premiere Project, with soloist Michael Arndt, preparing to perform the complete work during the 2007-2008 concert season. Courage of the Olympian is available at the Beauport Press URL listed below.

 

Part II (07-08 concert season)

Concerto Premiere Project

“There is nothing more inspiring than having the opportunity to compose a work for musicians around the globe!” said Bradshaw. “All is moving along smoothly, both with composing and securing performances for the premiere.” Additional soloists and ensembles are contacting Bradshaw daily with requests to participate. The goal of the project is monumental – to exceed 100 performances of the concerto in a single concert season! A list of participants will be made available in Spring 2007 with frequent updates throughout the year. This list will also be included in the publication of the work in 2008.

Bradshaw is very comfortable working on large-scale projects. Simultaneously with this project, he is working on the premiere of his fifth sonata Arundo Donax with over 20 clarinet soloists throughout the states. Similarly, he is no stranger to the trumpet world either. During the 03-04 concert season, Bradshaw’s Sonata for trumpet and strings (or piano) - recently revised for trumpet, percussion, strings and/or piano - was also premiered in a project that included performances that reached almost every state. An article about the collaboration is available at Bradshaw's website, where readers will also find more information on the composer.

Websites:
Robert J. Bradshaw
Beauport Press
Sonata article (PDF)