The thrill of playing together

Brass players have a worldwide reputation for being sociable guys with a sense of humour. True, some do prefer to slave away on their own in a practice booth, but for the majority, joining a group and taking part in a communal effort is a vital factor in their lives as musicians. In a group, their combined potential seems to be far greater than if they were playing alone. Even for beginners, it is important to experience the thrill of playing together, because it also motivates them to practise on their own.

I reckon we “brass bashers” all have a long list of fine experiences of making music with others, in which the personal contribution of every single player has influenced the end result. Even if the rehearsal process has had its ups and downs, a successful concert leaves us feeling far more elated because we achieved it together! Kuva: Jani Mahkonen

In keeping with our theme for this year, we have invited ensembles of various sizes to join us in Lieksa this year – plus some soloists, of course. The brass quintets Spanish Brass – LuurMetalls (Spain) and Sonus Brass (Austria) with its prize-winning children’s concert, and the 10-piece tenThing from Norway led by trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth represent the finest ensemble playing in the world. The programme for the week also takes in septets, quartets and wind orchestras; in other words, a comprehensive selection of line-ups.

Making solo appearances will be trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth from Norway, now to receive her “Lieksa baptism”, tubist Walter Hilgers from Germany, Stefan de Leval Jezierski from Germany/USA on the French horn, and French trombonist Guilhem Kusnierek, now travelling to Brass Week for the second time, but for the first time as an invited artist. Kusnierek was third in the second Lieksa International Trombone Competition back in 2008. And Benjamin Pierce (USA), now a member of the jury for the competition for young tubists, was himself the winner of the Lieksa Euphonium Competition in 2004.

And that’s not all! Lieksa 2013 will also have its lighter moments, and it goes without saying that it’s always party time at Brass Week…

Welcome to Lieksa Brass Week 2013.

Jouko Harjanne

Artistic Director

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