BRASS QUINTET
The University of Nebraska Brass Quintet tours Czech Republic (Editor’s Note: The University of Nebraska Brass Quintet visited the Czech Republic April 30-May 6 and among the highlights was the European Premiere of Copernicus for Brass Quintet and Wind Band. Below are reflections of the trip by Professor of Trombone Scott Anderson.) by
Scott Anderson
T
he University of Nebraska Brass Quintet was funded by the HixsonLied College of Fine and Performing Arts and the University of Nebraska School of Music to embark on a tour of the Czech Republic. The capstone and primary performance of the tour was the Czech Premier of a work commissioned by the quintet and the College by Czech Composer Juraj Filas entitled “Copernicus: A Concerto Grosso for Brass Quintet and Wind Band.” The performance was with the Prague Castle Guard and Police Band conducted by Colonel Vaclav Blahunek. The visit coincided with the 65th year Celebration of Liberation by the Czech Republic commemorating the date that allied troops freed Czechoslovakia from Nazi occupation. Through a series of fortuitous events, the brass quintet was also invited to perform in a series of recitals of World War II era American Music for three separate celebrations. The first of these celebrations was in the 16th century castle near the town of Klatovy. The performance was free to the public and was standing room only. We were very pleased to be able to invite a student quintet from the secondary school in Klatovy to perform a pre-recital concert. The next day was a rehearsal with the Prague Castle Guard and Police Band in their rehearsal hall. The composer, Juraj Filas, attended the rehearsal. The band was of the highest professional caliber and the next day following a short sound check, the performance took place in the Spanish Hall in the Prague Castle. There were many national dignitaries in attendance including Department Ministers, military representatives, the head of the police in the Czech
Photo courtesy of Scott Anderson
The University of Nebraska Brass Quintet (left to right) Darryl White (trumpet), Scott Anderson (trombone), Craig Fuller (tuba), K. Craig Bircher (trumpet) and Alan Mattingly (horn) at the top of the Castle Klenová just outside of Klatovy in the Czech Republic.
Republic and representatives of the Prime Minister. The entire event was videotaped for Czech National Television. Following the performance, the performers and our composer, Mr. Filas, were invited to a reception where we were honored and presented with gifts of appreciation. We had considered taking the next day as an off day to see the city, but were besieged by requests to perform at a number of cities and towns to commemorate the “Celebration of Liberation.” We accepted performances in Domazlice and Katovice. The celebration turned out to be an homage to the American troops who, along with the armed forces of the Soviet Union, were first on the scene to drive the Nazis out of Czechoslovakia. The day turned out to be one of the most moving events any of us can remember. The gratitude of the Czech people was overwhelming as were the speeches given by surviving American troops who made the trip from the U.S. for the celebration. We performed selections of military music as well as swing music from the 1940s. We heard stories (through translators) from Czech soldiers and citizens who have not
Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts
forgotten what Americans and American means to them. In the end, this tour was a success on many levels. We have developed an artistic tie with the most important and artistically excellent band in Eastern Europe, the Prague Castle Band. Our sponsors in the communities where we performed are among the most active presenters and music education advocates in their respective regions. We have also developed a close personal relationship with one of the most outstanding living Czech composers, Mr. Filas. During our travels we have met and played for other important Czech composers. We are continuing to develop our knowledge of these composers, their works that we might perform in the future, and the potential for developing cross-cultural activities. The University of Nebraska Brass Quintet is planning the next phase of work on the music from the Czech Republic. This includes a recording project that will capture not only the new music of Juraj Filas, but also the brass music of Czech mainstays such as Karel Husa, Vaclav Nelhybel and Petr Eben.
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