Friday, February 7, 2025
8:00PM
West Side Presbyterian Church

Prelude Concert
7:30pm

Ramapo High School Wind Ensemble
Erik Sloezen – Director

Brilliant trumpet soloist Billy R. Hunter, Jr., Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera and Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, joins the NJWS for an evening of music. Take a tour of outer space with the performance of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets“. In addition to a program of works by Mendelssohn and Gould, the NJWS will celebrate the 100th birthday of Gunther Schuller with a special performance of his work, Blue Dawn Into White Heat.

Featured Soloist
Billy Hunter – Trumpet

Billy Hunter – Trumpet

Billy Hunter, Jr.

Billy R. Hunter, Jr., a native of Austin, TX, has been the Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 2004. With a versatile career encompassing orchestral, chamber, and solo performances nationwide, he is also a sought-after teacher and brass coach who recently rejoined the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music.

In addition to his work with the MET, Mr. Hunter has served as Guest Principal Trumpet with distinguished ensembles such as The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Malaysian Philharmonic, and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony. His impressive performance history includes collaborations with the New York Philharmonic, Saint Louis Symphony, Dallas Symphony, and Boston Symphony,as well as various trumpet positions with the New World, Baltimore, and Grant Park Symphony Orchestras.

Program

The Planets – Gustav Holst
Blue Dawn Into White Heat – Gunther Schuller
Overture for Band – Felix Mendelsson
American Salute – Morton Gould

Bride of the Waves – Herbert Clarke
Trumpet Concerto – Alexander Arutunian
Billy Hunter – Soloist

Program Subject To Change

All New Jersey Wind Symphony Subscription Concerts are held at the West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ.  West Side Presbyterian Church is fully ADA compliant providing handicap accessible entry to the concert venue as well as bathroom facilities. Important signage and directions are presented in braille.