The Marquette Symphony Orchestra continues its chamber music series this weekend with "Dances for Brass," a concert by the MSO Brass Quintet on Saturday, November 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall on Northern Michigan University’s campus.
Trumpeters Dr. Mark Flaherty and Dr. Matt Ludwig describe the performance as both a celebration of the brass family and a rare opportunity to perform together in a chamber setting. The program spans more than 400 years of music, from the Renaissance works of Michael Praetorius and Hans Leo Hassler to selections by J.S. Bach, Leonard Bernstein, and modern jazz-inspired pieces—showcasing the full expressive range of brass instruments.
The quintet’s members include Flaherty and Ludwig on trumpet, Keith Powell on horn, Steve Grugin on trombone, and Gordon Erickson on tuba. Together, they bring decades of collaboration within the MSO to the more intimate brass ensemble format.
Flaherty, who contributed several new transcriptions for this concert, notes the ensemble’s ability to reimagine vocal and early music for brass voices, while Ludwig highlights the challenge and reward of stylistic variety—moving from straight, blended Renaissance textures to the freer expressiveness of swing and jazz.
Both performers balance their orchestral and teaching roles, finding that performing chamber music directly enhances their instruction. They emphasize how such performances can inspire younger musicians to explore the versatility of brass instruments, revealing colors and capabilities often overlooked in larger ensembles.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Flaherty and Ludwig about the upcoming concert:
The musicians hope that students and audiences alike will come away with a renewed appreciation for brass chamber music and its expressive possibilities.
The MSO Brass Quintet performs “Dances for Brass” on Saturday, November 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Reynolds Recital Hall.
Find out more at marquettesymphony.org.
