Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Millar Brass Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1974 by Vincent Cichowicz, a renowned trumpet player and professor at Northwestern University. The ensemble is based in Evanston, Illinois, and is composed of some of the most talented brass musicians in the United States. The Millar Brass Ensemble was named after Robert Millar, a former professor of music at Northwestern University who was a mentor to Cichowicz. Millar was a highly respected musician and educator who had a profound impact on the development of brass music in the United States. The ensemble's founding members included Vincent Cichowicz, Arnold Jacobs, Adolph Herseth, and Charles Geyer, all of whom were members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. These musicians were joined by other talented brass players from around the country, including Dale Clevenger, Gail Williams, and Michael Mulcahy. The Millar Brass Ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The ensemble's repertoire includes a wide range of music, from classical works by Bach and Mozart to contemporary pieces by composers such as John Williams and Leonard Bernstein. One of the highlights of the Millar Brass Ensemble's early career was its performance at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. The ensemble was chosen to represent the United States at the games, and its performance was broadcast to millions of people around the world. Over the years, the Millar Brass Ensemble has continued to perform at major venues and events around the world. The ensemble has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Ravinia Festival in Illinois, and the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, among many other prestigious venues. In addition to its live performances, the Millar Brass Ensemble has also recorded several albums. The ensemble's first album, "Brass Ring," was released in 1977 and featured works by Bach, Handel, and Gabrieli. The ensemble's most recent album, "American Games," was released in 2012 and features music inspired by American sports. The Millar Brass Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1986, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance for its album "Brass Ring." The ensemble has also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council for its contributions to the arts. Today, the Millar Brass Ensemble continues to be one of the most respected and innovative brass ensembles in the world. The ensemble's current members include Barbara Butler, Charles Geyer, Christopher Martin, Michael Sachs, and Thomas Rolfs, all of whom are highly respected musicians in their own right. The Millar Brass Ensemble's legacy is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of classical music. Through its performances and recordings, the ensemble has inspired countless musicians and music lovers around the world, and its influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

More....