Volume 1, Issue 1  January 20, 1998

 Center Stage with

                                       ROLF  SMEDVIG     

Rolf Smedvig  is definitely on our short list when it comes to our most admired trumpet players. Not only can he do whatever he wants to on the horn, technically speaking; but beyond that, Rolf Smedvig is the embodiment of the type of “swagger” that lets you know right away, this concert won’t be just an intellectual exercise. The flair, the drive, the excitement, it’s all there when Rolf is at the helm.

For the many years of thrills and all the revelations that his artistry has brought to us, we thank him. We  are very honored to have him as our first featured guest.   

Rolf Smedvig was born in Seattle Washington and made his debut as soloist with the Seattle Symphony at the age of 13. He pursued his musical education at Boston University studying with Armando Ghitalla. Mr. Smedvig also studied with Raphael Mendez, Maurice  Andre and Roger Voisin, a veritable "who’s who" list of the trumpet world!

Mr. Smedvig’s performance credits include: Principal Trumpet with the Boston Symphony, the Houston

Symphony, solo appearances with the Boston Symphony orchestra, the National Symphony, Cambridge Chamber orchestra, the New World Symphony, the NHK Symphony Orchestra of Japan and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. As Founding member and first trumpet with the Empire Brass Quintet, Mr. Smedvig has toured 35 countries and performed with the Chicago Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, the Cincinnati Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Boston Symphony.

If it is true that genius cannot be contained, then Rolf Smedvig is making his claim. In 1996 the Boston Ballet presented the World Premier of the ballet “Passages” with music written, arranged and adapted by Rolf Smedvig. Mr. Smedvig has also served as Music director of the Williamsport Symphony and he has appeared as guest conductor with numerous orchestras.

Mr. Smedvig has also served on the faculty of Boston University and the Tanglewood Music Center where he founded the Empire Brass Seminar. Currently he holds the International Chair at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and is a clinician for the Selmer Company. He is also an accomplished arranger/composer with hundreds of works recorded and published.   

 

We also asked Rolf to share some of his thoughts on the big issues of life...well at least according to Stork. Here's what he had to say: SCM: What's the hardest thing about your job? R.S.: "Booking airplanes and washing clothes on tour." SCM: (Pheww! been there, done that!) What is the best thing about your job? R.S.: "Writing, performing and playing music." We should have known. Ever wonder how one gets to be as good as a Rolf Smedvig? Perhaps his description of what he does to recreate will illuminate. The answer was "Practice and listen. If you can hear it, you can play it!" That's how the best keep getting better! Mr. Smedvig also left us some thoughts on:  The Empire Brass Quintet  "Someone, after performing with us, once described the Empire Brass as 'a fast moving freight train. You either get on, or get out of the way'." He also described the current line up as "being on a honeymoon". On Equipment  "I am in love with the sound of Bach Stradivarius instruments." And, "The Stork mouthpiece team is unsurpassed with regards to workmanship, reliability and delivery speed."  Thanks Rolf! On the Future "Practice, write, rehearse, record and tour. All the same great stuff. I can't wait for the next recording and the next concert." You're not the only one Rolf! "Your mouthpiece and I really enjoy each other. For many years, many recordings, many concerts and countless hours of practice I still look forward to putting that mouthpiece on my face - Thanks!"  Rolf