URI to host its first Octubafest Oct. 17

KINGSTON, R.I. -- October 8, 1998 -- On Saturday, October 17, the University of Rhode Island will host its first ever "OCTUBAFEST". This day-long event features a host of exciting musical experiences guaranteed to satisfy any low brass enthusiast, such as master classes, open panel discussions with guest artists and URI faculty, and the opportunity to play with the colossal "Octuba Ensemble". Performers of all abilities are invited to bring their instruments as there will be plenty of performance opportunities.

"OCTUBAFEST" will also feature three concerts throughout the day. First is a recital by guest artist John Griffiths (courtesy of Yamaha) at 1 p.m. Griffiths is director of the University of Regina's Conservatory of Music and Dance and principal tubist for the Regina symphony. The program consists of works commissioned specifically for his playing by Canadian composers David McIntyre and Elizabeth Raum.

The tuba/euphonium quartet ALCHEMY will also perform at 3 p.m. incorporating a mixture of traditional songs and polkas, original compositions by tubist and URI faculty member Gary Buttery, and arrangements of works by well known composers such as Scott Joplin and Johann Strauss.

The festival will culminate in a 7 p.m. concert which will unite the "Octuba Ensemble" with guest artists, faculty, and the URI Wind Ensemble. The concert will feature a double concerto by J.S. Bach arranged for two tubas and the "Tuba Concerto" written by the modern composer Frigyes Hidas.

Registration will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Fine Arts Center located on URI's Kingston campus. The fee for the entire day is $10. If there are any questions regarding "OCTUBAFEST", feel free to contact Gary Buttery at (401)874-2431 or email: tubassoon@aol.com

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For More Information: Jan Sawyer, 401-874-2116