Extra Quality

"I know that guy! Who is he?" As the CSO awaits its new principal trumpet, Robert Sullivan, the audience has been seeing a few new faces filling in the ranks. Since their names aren't listed in the program, I hear a lot of, "Hey, who was that?" Here are some of the quality players that have been contributing in recent months.

Outstanding work has been heard from Chicago Symphony Orchestra assistant principal Mark Ridenaur, most notably in the recent Prokofiev CD with Lt. Kije and the 5th Symphony. It is all first-class playing! In fact, in Music Hall, if you listen very carefully, you can still hear Mark's gorgeous off-stage call from Kije echoing in the foyer. On the Moussorgsky Pictures CD to be released later this year, it will be Mark playing as well.

Earlier this season the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra week was played by Ryan Anthony, the new principal trumpet with the Dallas Symphony. His biography is impressive. He was a member of the Canadian Brass and has performed with many major orchestras in the U.S. and abroad. He is an experienced soloist, clinician, studio player, and has taught at several colleges. Ryan's versatility is evident with his numerous recording projects for TV, radio, and motion pictures.

Mark Inouye played principal on the Mahler 7th week last fall. Mark has been acting principal trumpet with the Houston Symphony and a member of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Mark is an awesome player equally at home in the world of classical and jazz music. Mr. Inouye's resume has lots of solo, orchestral, ensemble, and recording experience. He is also an active composer and has toured internationally with the Empire Brass. Mark was a founding member of the Juilliard Jazz Sextet at Lincoln Center.

Robert Sullivan, Assistant Principal Trumpet in the Cleveland Orchestra since 2003, played a Wagner/Beethoven week with the orchestra in the fall. Bob comes with prior experience of eleven years as Associate Principal Trumpet with the New York Philharmonic. He was on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, and later joined the faculty at the Cleveland Insititute of Music. Bob also played for four years in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra where he also was Adjunct Professor of trumpet at Charleston Southern University and the College of Charleston.

Mr. Sullivan was a student of Armando Ghitalla at the University of Michigan, and was a Ghitalla Fellowship winner at Tanglewood. After leaving the Air Force, Robert became solo trumpet in the Chicago Chamber Brass. He is an active recitalist and clinician. He has had recent solo performances of Haydn, Hummel, Bohme, L. Mozart, Torelli, and Telemann as well as a concert with the Summit Brass, and a Gabrieli recording with the Empire Brass in which he conducts members of the Empire Brass, Boston Symphony, and the N.Y. Philharmonic. Robert has performed recitals throughout Europe, South America, and Asia. He has collaborated on concerts with the Canadian Brass and the German Brass. He is one of the top players in the country and brings his experience, talent and wonderful playing to Cincinnati.

Anthony DiLorenzo is another amazing player who has complemented the trumpet section this year. He likewise has experience as soloist with top orchestras. Trained in Boston and Curtis he brings versatility and mature musicianship. Anthony is a member of the Burning River Brass, and Proteus 7, a mixed chamber ensemble. He is also an Emmy Award-winning composer whose works have been performed by major orchestras and can be heard on numerous TV networks.

John Rommel, currently Professor of Trumpet at Indiana University, has periodically filled in with the CSO. John has been a valuable player who brings his years of experience as principal with the Louisville Orchestra as well as a rich resume of solo and recording projects. His chamber music experience includes performances with Summit Brass and the quintets of St. Louis and Nashville. John also has extensive commercial recording experience both in Indianapolis and Nashville. He is also a clinician for the Bach Corporation.

Cincinnati Associate Principal Trumpet Doug Lindsay has been the real hero for the past two years. Always prepared and always accurate, Doug continues to cover the majority of principal parts, doing a fabulous job week after week, and that includes many Pops responsibilities. Most jobs these days require flexibility to be able to cover all parts. Doug has proven that he can handle any assignment. Any orchestra would be happy and fortunate to have a Doug Lindsay in their section.

It is obvious that quality abounds in this highly competitive trumpet world. Just reading these brief resumes gives us a lesson in showing what is needed in preparation for an orchestral career. Congratulations to all the above who have contributed so brilliantly to the CSO in recent months.