Imperial Brass to Launch Ocean Grove's 'Summer Stars Classical Series'

Ocean Grove's ever-popular "Summer Stars Classical Series" kicks off on Thursday, July 6, 2017 with the renowned IMPERIAL BRASS, the NJ-based, 28-piece brass ensemble founded in 1991 by Rutgers University alumni.

IMPERIAL BRASS performs at 7:30 pm in the Great Auditorium located at Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways in Ocean Grove, NJ. Tickets are $16.00 (plus applicable fees). All facilities are handicapped accessible. Order tickets by phone 800-590-4064 or online at www.oceangrove.org.

Conducted by RONALD WAIKSNORIS, the program includes classical and contemporary works especially arranged for the ensemble. Guest soloists include Philip Smith (former principal trumpet, NY Philharmonic), and jazz great WARREN VACHÉ.

THE EVENING'S PROGRAM:

"Midwest March" - J.J. Richards, arr. Derek Broadbent
"Deliverance" - Philip B. Catelinet - Soloists: Philip Smith & Mitch Brodsky
"Gone With the Wind" - Max Steiner, arr. Mark Freeh
"Afternoon in August" - Stegmeyer, arr. VerPlanck - brass band arr. Mark Freeh, Soloist: Warren Vaché
Hymn from "Civil War Suite" - Joseph Turrin, arr. Mark Freeh
"Swing Low" (traditional) - arr. Emil Soderstrom, adapted by Mark Freeh
"Southland Memories" - Emil Soderstrom

Intermission

"Eternal Song" - Joseph Turrin, (Cornet section feature)
"Belle of the Ball" - Leroy Anderson, arr. Mark Freeh
"When You're Smiling" - Shay, Fisher, Goodman, arr. Mark Freeh, Soloist: Warren Vaché
"Landmarks" - Joseph Turrin
"Scherzando" - Robert Farnon arr. Mark Freeh
"Songs from the States" - Bruce Broughton

ABOUT IMPERIAL BRASS:

Founded in 1991 by Rutgers University alumni Steve Dillon and Jon Korsun with arranger Mark Freeh. Designed to afford a unique opportunity for NJ-area musicians to play a challenging repertoire of diverse styles, often with world-class soloists. Performed in five NY Brass Conferences. Has twice won First Place in the Northeastern Brass Band Competition. Prior conductors were Patrick Burns and Brian Bowen; guest conductor Torgny Hanson has also participated. Since its inception, has performed in numerous top concert venues, festivals, competitions, schools and churches, including: West Point Military Academy, 2005 Northeast Regional Tuba/Euphonium Conference, Eisenhower Hall Theater, the International Trumpet Guild Conference at Rowan University, the Nicholas Music Center, and The Pavilion (performing arts center, Old Orchard Beach, MN). Has a distinguished history with Ocean Grove, having performed on several occasions over the years in the Great Auditorium, including a collaboration with organist Gordon Turk to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Great Auditorium's world-famous organ. Has recorded five critically-acclaimed CDs: Imperial Brass Highlights, Imperial Brass & Friends, Bone-A-Fide Brass, Have Yourself a Brassy Little Christmas, and An American Legend: Imperial Brass Plays Leroy Anderson. Many A-list musicians and singers have performed and/or recorded with Imperial Brass, among them: Philip Smith (principal trumpet, NY Philharmonic), jazz great Warren Vaché, Robert and Nicholas Childs, Andrew Berryman (principal trombone, Hallé Orchestra), Derek Garside, Derek Smith, Roger Webster, Chris Jaudes, David Nesbitt, Sharon Moe, Brett Baker, Joseph Alessi (principal trombone, NY Philharmonic), Roger Webster, and Laura Schutter

ABOUT THE CONDUCTOR AND THIS SEASON'S SPECIAL GUESTS:

Conductor Ronald Waiksnoris ranks among the very best conductors and musicians in the worldwide brass band scene. His outstanding achievements over 24 years include serving as musical director of the New York Staff Band. With him, the NYSB has made its mark internationally. Prior to his tenure with the NYSB, Waiksnoris achieved international acclaim as a cornet soloist, symbolically capped by his heralded performances in such venues as London's Royal Albert Hall, which few cornetists can claim. He has been an effective teacher and guide to thousands of rising brass players for the past 40 years, and continues to share his expertise as a player, whether with beginners or with the most advanced players.

Philip Smith joined the New York Philharmonic as co-principal trumpet in 1978 and became principal trumpet in 1988. His father, Derek Smith, a renownEd English cornet soloist, provided his early training. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School, having studied with Edward Treutel, and William Vacchiano, former principal trumpet of the NYP. While still at Juilliard, Sir Georg Solti appointed him to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has appeared regularly as soloist, recitalist, chamber orchestra performer, and clinician, including as a featured soloist with the Philharmonic with conductors Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Erich Leinsdorf, Leonard Bernstein, Neeme Järvi, Lorin Maazel, Alan Gilbert and Bramwell Tovey. Smith's repertoire highlights include the world premiere of Joseph Turrin's Trumpet Concerto with the New York Philharmonic and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. In addition to other significant NYP premieres, he has also been a guest soloist with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and the symphonies of Edmonton, Newfoundland, South Dakota, Sioux City, Cedar Rapids Orchestra (Iowa), Columbus (Indiana), Pensacola (Florida), Hartford (Connecticut), Beaumont (Texas) and the Orchestre de Paris., conducted by Daniel Barenboim, performing Mahler's Symphony #5.

The critically-acclaimed cornetist Warren Webster Vaché, Jr. continues a notable family tradition. He is the son of the late bassist Warren Vaché and the elder brother of Allan Vaché (former JCJB clarinetist and frequent Riverwalk Jazz guest artist). Warren was born February 21, 1951, in Rahway, New Jersey. He received his degree in music education from Montclair State College in 1974 and also studied with trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin. Warren has spent years playing with such greats as Rosemary Clooney, Benny Goodman, Hank Jones, Gerry Mulligan, Woody Herman, Bobby Short, and Benny Carter.

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