UGA British Brass Band to perform fall concert

One of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s newest ensembles, the UGA British Brass Band, plays its fall concert in Hodgson Concert Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 8:00 p.m.

Directed by professor of trumpet Phil Smith, the William F. and Pamela P. Prokasy Professor in the Arts, the 32-piece brass and percussion ensemble will perform the music of Dmitri Shostakovich and Mily Balakirev, as well as several English, Canadian and American composers of brass band repertoire.

In order to play these varied works, a dynamic sound is necessary, and the composition of the UGA British Brass Band allows for that level of nuance.

“Because of the conical nature of these brass instruments, the sound of the band is more lush and mellow than the typical orchestral brass ensemble,” said Smith. “The exception is the trombone section, which acts as the trumpet sound of the band. 

“With these attributes, the brass band can play from the most intimate to the most dynamic and vibrant of colors.”

The performance will also feature guest soloist Stuart Stephenson, principal trumpet of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Juilliard- and Northwestern University-educated trumpeter is in his third season with the orchestra.

This concert is free and the public is invited to attend.

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music sponsors more than 350 performances each year. To view the performance calendar, subscribe to the weekly email concert listing or learn more about the School of Music, go to music.uga.edu.