Sunday Music Series...SMSO Virtuoso Concert

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra at the Howard Center

The Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University invites the community to a Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra concert on Sunday, October 9, at 4 p.m. Virtuosity is the order of the day in this concert of stunning showpieces from Eastern Europe. Acclaimed trumpet soloist Jose Sibaja–familiar to audiences from his appearances on The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien andSaturday Night Live, as well as countless performances as lead trumpet with Boston Brass, will join the SMSO in Alexander Arutunian’s dazzling Trumpet Concerto.

This breathtaking concert will also feature carefully chosen pieces such as Antonin Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody, highlighting the well-trained musicians of the SMSO.

“It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to make music with Jose Sibaja, one of the world's great trumpet virtuosi,” says Robin Fountain, music director. “And I know that the orchestra is looking forward to displaying its own fabulous skill in Kodály's breathtaking Dances of Galánta.”

Sam Pilafian, founding member of the Empire Brass, past president of the International Tuba Euphonium Association and professor of Music at Arizona State University states, "Jose Sibaja is a trumpet artist uniquely positioned to be the most influential player of our time. His artistry is a unique blend of stylistic influences.”

Additionally, there will be a post-concert reception in the lobby of the Howard, providing the opportunity for attendees to mingle with the SMSO musicians, as well as the guest artists.

Sibaja will be teaching a master class with select trumpet students on Saturday, October 8, at 2 p.m. in the St. Joseph High School auditorium. The class will include 4-6 students and last approximately one hour. The public is invited to attend this free session.

For more information and to access ticket prices, please visit eventbrite.com.