The December 2 issue of Fanfare features an interview by Henry Fogel, former president and CEO of the League of American Orchestras, with Albany Symphony Orchestra Principal Trumpet Eric Berlin, soloist in the new CD Fantastique: Premieres for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble, with the UMass Wind Ensemble. Asked about the Albany Symphony Orchestra, which Fogel says is “known for its focus on American music, both contemporary and mid-20th century,” Berlin responds, “The ASO’s mission certainly resonates with me and I have embraced it as my own … During my first several years in Albany, we were totally immersed in mid-century American music … It was in this repertoire that I began to come into my own as an orchestral principal and found my voice … I give [Albany Music Director] David Alan Miller kudos for making some great choices in building an orchestra, especially a brass section, that could not only withstand the demands of his programming, but revel it in it! … The unique mission of the ACO to nurture young composers and preserve American music in recordings is the number one reason that many of us are still there.” Fogel reviews the CD, which includes works by Stephen Paulus, Evan Hause Jeffrey Holmes, and James Stephenson.
Posted December 15, 2014
