Western CT Brass Quintet Will Wrap Sunday

Chamber Music Series At FTC StageOne

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield Theatre Company’s last chamber concert for 2006 will be part holiday party, complete with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and one part concert. The concert event will feature a five-piece brass ensemble playing works from the Renaissance and Baroque era, as well as holiday favorites and a sing-along at the end.

he Western Connecticut Brass Quintet will bring its holiday repertoire to Fairfield Theater Company on Sunday, December 17. The group is made up of Dr Marjorie Seymour Callaghan (horn), Roger Verd (trombone), Tony Price (tuba), Tom Verchot (trumpet) and John Thomas (trumpet). FTC StageOne will be the quintet’s debut performance.

The program for the evening includes music by Praetorius, Bach, Handel, popular brass arranger Jack Gale, Victor Ewald, Bill Holcombe Jr and Mel Torme.

It’s “part Christmas, part Western classical music,” says Dr Callaghan.

Why brass for the holidays? Dr Callaghan explains: “The brass quintet has an organ-like effect, the timbres of the instruments are similar, creating an organic, unified sound; the brass itself creates a brilliance that gives it that wonderful holiday sound.” The quintet will also hold a brass-accompanied sing-along including all the classic holiday favorites.

Doors will open at 6:30, and showtime is 7 pm. Tickets are $22 for the public, $17 for FTC members.

The theater is at 70 Sanford Street, opposite the Metro North northbound platform for downtown Fairfield. Call the box office at 203-259-1036 or visit FairfieldTheatre.org for reservations and other information.

 Fairfield Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to developing and sustaining a professional theatre serving southwestern Connecticut for the presentation of plays and music in an intimate setting.