Pitzen Brass Ensemble History
Origin
Evolution
Evolution
The Pitzen Brass Ensemble originated as the Pitzen Brass Quintet in 1976 and soon transformed itself to become the larger Pitzen Brass Ensemble in 1978. Prior to its renewal in 2022, the Ensemble gave its last performance in 1989.
The Pitzen Brass Ensemble comprises alumni of the Northwestern University School of Music (now the Bienen Scho
The Pitzen Brass Ensemble originated as the Pitzen Brass Quintet in 1976 and soon transformed itself to become the larger Pitzen Brass Ensemble in 1978. Prior to its renewal in 2022, the Ensemble gave its last performance in 1989.
The Pitzen Brass Ensemble comprises alumni of the Northwestern University School of Music (now the Bienen School of Music). During and after their studies at Northwestern, these young professionals presented brilliant and stylistic performances of challenging literature to full houses throughout the Chicago area, including annual subscription series of three concerts in Evanston every year for the entire decade of the 1980s.
This self-governing ensemble of excellent musicians shared a common commitment to attain the highest standards in the performance of great brass music, inspired by their teachers and mentors at the Northwestern University School of Music, who were members of the renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass section.
Evolution
Evolution
Evolution
As members of the Pitzen Brass Ensemble launched their musical careers in professional ensembles and universities around the world, new young brass players began to take the places of the departing musicians. Some Pitzen alumni went on to establish successful careers in other professions.
The Our Musicians section highlights but a few of
As members of the Pitzen Brass Ensemble launched their musical careers in professional ensembles and universities around the world, new young brass players began to take the places of the departing musicians. Some Pitzen alumni went on to establish successful careers in other professions.
The Our Musicians section highlights but a few of the major ensembles and institutions of higher learning where Pitzen alumni have contributed (and are still contributing) their knowledge, talent, and passion for great music making.
Reunion
Evolution
Reunion
On April 7, 2024, the Pitzen Brass Ensemble reunited to present our first full concert program in 35 years. 21 alumni from the original Pitzen Brass Ensemble gathered in Chicago to perform in the Bienen School of Music's beautiful Galvin Recital Hall on the campus of Northwestern University. It was an exhilarating experience for the Pitze
On April 7, 2024, the Pitzen Brass Ensemble reunited to present our first full concert program in 35 years. 21 alumni from the original Pitzen Brass Ensemble gathered in Chicago to perform in the Bienen School of Music's beautiful Galvin Recital Hall on the campus of Northwestern University. It was an exhilarating experience for the Pitzen musicians to work together again and to present this memorable concert.
Our April 7 concert paid tribute to the legendary teachers from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra who mentored us, nurtured our musicianship, and set examples of great artistry that inspire us to this day.