Axe ’Em, Jacks!
William VerMeulenNACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - William VerMeulen, principal horn of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, will present a guest recital at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, in Cole Concert Hall as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music's Cole Performing Arts Series.
"The program, which will 'rock the hall,' includes "virtuosic works from the horn literature and even an arrangement of a Rossini opera that is nothing short of spectacular when performed on horn," said Dr. Charles Gavin, SFA professor of horn.
In addition to his position at the Houston Symphony Orchestra, VerMeulen has performed as guest principal horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cincinnati Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony and St. Paul Orchestra.
He has performed to critical acclaim on four continents as a soloist and chamber musician. According to In Tune magazine, he is "clearly one of today's superstars of the international brass scene."
Fanfare magazine wrote, "Horn virtuoso William VerMeulen may be the best of the lot, commanding his difficult instrument with suavity and grace."
"We are indeed fortunate to have an artist of such international acclaim on our campus to present a recital and a two-hour master class with our students," Gavin said. "I have seen him teach on numerous occasions; our students will be presented with an opportunity to impact their careers as educators and performers."
The recital is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-5820 or (888) 240-ARTS.