Brigham Young University’s OcTUBAfest 2010 will take place Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 20-23, in the Madsen Recital Hall. Shows will feature tuba ensembles with faculty and students, along with guest artist Oystein Baadsvik, one of the few tuba virtuosos in the world. Admission is free.
“I started OcTUBAfest about 20 years ago,” said BYU professor Steve Call. “A lot of times tubas are confined to the back rows and play less complicated music. I wanted to show people that there is a lot of great solo literature and interesting music for the tuba and euphonium.”
OcTUBAfest will kick off Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. with a recital featuring BYU student soloists. Twelve tuba and euphonium soloists will be accompanied by Robin Hancock on the piano.
Thursday will showcase faculty artists in a recital at 7:30 p.m. Steve Call, Will Kimball and Robin Hancock from BYU; Matt Moore and Bryce Mecham from BYU-Idaho; and Dan Bryce from Utah Valley University will be featured.
The performance Friday, Oct. 22, will feature Baadsvik in concert at 7:30 p.m.
“I’ve known Baadsvik for a number of years,” Call said. “He’s the first, and perhaps only, person to make it as a soloist with the tuba.” Baadsvik is the recipient of multiple international performance awards, including awards at Concours International d’Execution Musicale in Geneva. He has performed in venues in the United States, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Asia and Switzerland.
OcTUBAfest will culminate with a Grand OcTUBAfest Concert at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature faculty, students, Baadsvik and multiple tuba and euphonium ensembles from BYU, BYU-Idaho and the Provo community.
“We’ll be holding a series of clinics and master classes that morning starting at 8 a.m.,” Call said. “Students will be able to perform for Oystein and get feedback from him. Then at 11 a.m. we’ll be having a practice for a giant tuba and euphonium ensemble. All those interested in participating are welcome.”
Those interested in participating in the tuba and euphonium ensemble can contact Call for a schedule and sheet music.
For more information, contact Steve Call at (801) 422-6116 or e-mail steve_call@byu.edu.
Writer: Brandon Garrett
