Introduction to Brass at NUIG

Vox Merus which translates as ‘pure voice’ is next up in Music for Galway’s annual concert season.

This event, from Ireland’s newest professional brass chamber group is billed as an ‘Introduction to Brass’. It’s at the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Thursday next, November 24 at 8 pm.

Vox Merus features trumpeters Simon Menin and Andrea Vonk, horn player Cormac Ó hAodáin, trombone player Steve Mathieson and tuba player Alex Kidstonon, who will perform original works for brass, as well as new arrangements and music by Irish composers. The members of Vox Merus have diverse histories.

Simon Menin (trumpet), who currently plays in the band of Galway singer-songwriter Julie Feeney, has performed with artists including Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth, Lance Ellington, Rachel Weston, Josh Ritter, and Sinéad O'Connor. He is also a freelance musician with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and performs with the Italian based orchestra, Spira Mirabilis.

Alex Kidston (tuba), who is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Royal Academy of Music, has performed with orchestras across the UK and Ireland and has worked as music coordinator at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Stephen Mathieson (trombone), from Scotland has worked with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic and The Philharmonia, as well as other ensembles. In 2000 he became the principal trombone of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, with which he has played as a soloist on several occasions. He continues to work as a guest performer with various UK orchestras.

Cormac O hAodáin (horn) is currently Principal Horn with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. He began his musical career at the age of four, going on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Andrea Vonk (trumpet) is a founding member of the International Chamber Artists of Chicago. Since 2007 Andrea has freelanced with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St Cecilia. Andrea also works with Spira Mirabilis (Italy) as principal and second trumpet.

Tickets for the concert at the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Thursday next, November 24 at 8 pm. Tickets: €20. Members and concessions: €16. Students (full time): €6, from Music for Galway: 091705962, or Opus II, 4 High Street, or www.tht.ie