The Danbury Concert Association has chosen to close its ‘22-‘23 season with more than a touch of brass. On Sunday afternoon, May 21st at 3:00pm, the all-volunteer organization will host the American Brass Quartet at the 350-seat Veronica Hagman Hall at the Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) on the Western Connecticut State University campus.
The New York Times recently wrote that “among North American brass ensembles none is more venerable than the American Brass Quintet,” while Newsweek has hailed the ensemble as “the high priests of brass” and American Record Guide has called the ABQ “of all the brass quintets, the most distinguished.”
Tickets to individual concerts may be purchased on Eventbrite a few weeks prior to performance dates, depending on availability. Ages 18 and under are admitted free courtesy of a grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission, and advance reservations are required through Eventbrite. For updated information, call the WCSU box office at 203-837-8732 or go to wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com.
The quintet’s bold program, featuring musicians Kevin Cobb, trumpet, Brandon Ridenour, trumpet, Eric Reed, horn, Hillary Simms, trombone, and John D. Rojak, bass trombone, includes Three English Fancies, edited by Raymond Mase; Samsāra by Anthony Barfield; Chansons by Josquin des Prés; Book of Brass by Jennifer Higdon; Dance Movements by David Snow; Five Pieces by Ludwig Maurer; and Frost Fire by Eric Ewazen.
WCSU’s Visual and Performing Center (VPAC) provides open seating throughout the hall, and audience capacity may be limited as a public safety precaution. University and public health protocols, which may change, will be followed. Artists and dates are subject to change.
The Danbury Concert Association’s ‘23 - ‘24 season will include Pianist Cecile Licad on September 10th; guitarists The Great Necks, with a guest mandolinist on October 15th; and David Shifrin and friends on March 10th, 2024. The fourth concert of the season has yet to be determined. For additional information, visit danburyconcert.org or call 203-748-2177.
D