Saint Louis Brass Quintet to perform Wednesday

The Saint Louis Brass Quintet will perform next week at the River Campus.

Although the members of the group appear formal as they perform, audiences are surprised at the relaxed and informal atmosphere they create, according to a news release from Southeast Missouri State University. The ensemble transforms the stuffiness associated with classical chamber music, combining professionalism and showmanship.

The Saint Louis Brass Quintet will perform a variety of selections, featuring music from its CD "Pops Music of the Americas," and from several other CDs and its new DVD, the release states.

As part of its current tour, the group will present the premier of Joshua Hobbs' "Four Times Five." Commissioned by the quintet this year, it recently was completed.

Also new for this tour is Anthony Plog's "Aesop's Fables" with music behind the stories. On the lighter side is a new jazz medley, "Tribute to Pops: Hits of Louis Armstrong," plus "St Louis Blues," according to the release. New to the Quintet are the tangos "Adios Nonino" and "Libertango" by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla.

The Saint Louis Brass Quintet will perform Wednesday at the River Campus. (Submitted photo)

The quintet brings with it many of the ancestors of the brass family of instruments, from the animal's horn and the conch shell to the short trumpet found in King Tut's tomb, the release states.

Members of the group are trumpet players Allan Dean from Yale University and Ray Sasaki from the University of Texas. Thomas Bacon is a sought-after soloist and clinician. Melvyn Jernigan, formerly with the St. Louis Symphony, plays trombone, and the tubist is Indiana University's Daniel Perantoni, according to the release.

More information about the quintet and this concert can be found at SaintLouisBrass.com.

The Saint Louis Brass Quintet will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Shuck Music Recital Hall on the River Campus.

The concert is presented with support from the Missouri Arts Council.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by contacting the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, by calling (573) 651-2265 or online at www.RiverCampusEvents.com.

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.