Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

September 23, 1952 in Seattle, WA

Death

:

April 27, 2015 in West Stockbridge, MA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Rolf Smedvig was a renowned classical music artist who was born on September 23, 1952, in Seattle, Washington. He was a trumpeter and conductor who was known for his virtuosic performances and his contributions to the world of classical music. Smedvig grew up in a musical family, with his father being a professional trumpet player. He began playing the trumpet at a young age and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree. After completing his studies, Smedvig began his professional career as a trumpeter. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented trumpet players of his generation, and he was soon in demand as a soloist and chamber musician. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of the highlights of Smedvig's career was his tenure as the principal trumpet player of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He held this position from 1979 to 1998, and during this time, he played a key role in the orchestra's performances and recordings. He also served as the principal trumpet player of the Boston Pops Orchestra, which is the Boston Symphony Orchestra's popular music counterpart. In addition to his work as a performer, Smedvig was also a respected conductor. He founded the Empire Brass Quintet in 1972, and he served as the group's conductor for many years. The Empire Brass Quintet was known for its innovative and eclectic repertoire, which included everything from classical music to jazz and pop. Smedvig was also a prolific recording artist, and he released many albums throughout his career. Some of his most notable recordings include "Baroque Music for Trumpets," "The Art of the Baroque Trumpet," and "The Romantic Trumpet." He also recorded several albums with the Empire Brass Quintet, including "Class Brass: Fireworks" and "Class Brass: On Broadway." Throughout his career, Smedvig received many awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. He was a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. He was also awarded the Harvard University Distinguished Alumni Award and the New England Conservatory Alumni Achievement Award. Sadly, Smedvig passed away on April 27, 2015, at the age of 62. His death was a great loss to the world of classical music, but his legacy lives on through his recordings and the many musicians he inspired throughout his career. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest trumpet players of his generation and a true champion of classical music.

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