Trumpet Ensemble To Perform Baroque To Modern Music

RIDGEFIELD — Kicking off the popular Saint Stephen’s Sunday Afternoon Concert Series this year will be the American Trumpet Ensemble, performing “Baroque to Modern Music from Around the World” at Saint Stephen’s Church, 351 Main Street in Ridgefield, on Sunday, September 28. The concert will begin at 4 pm.

The ensemble starts the season with a celebration of music that spans both centuries and cultures. A medley of music has been arranged for a variety of music lovers, from music arranged for the Boston Pops to music patronized by royalty.

The group will perform pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach (Aria from Cantata #130), Jean-Joseph Mouret (Rondeau, the theme from “Masterpiece Theater”), Father Valentin Rathgeber (Concerto for Two Horns in E flat), Samuel Barber (Aedagio for Strings arranged for Trumpet and Organ), Leroy Anderson (Bugler’s Holiday and Trumpeter’s Lullaby) and Benjamin Britten (Fanfare for St Edmundsbury).

The ensemble is comprised of trumpets, tympani, horns and the organ. Of particular note is the piccolo French horn (Corno da caccia) which is not often heard in this country but prized for its ability to play very high French horn parts from the Baroque period.

Of special interest to local residents, vocalist Thomas Carr of Ridgefield will be joining American Brass Ensemble at this performance only to sing the J.S. Bach Cantata 172.

The concert is expected to last one hour. Donations are invited; a $10 contribution for adults is suggested.