This past year, the famous brass quintet Spanish Brass from Valencia, Spain visited UT and gave a masterclass to trumpet students at UT. I attended the masterclass, introduced myself as a composer, and informed their leader Carlos Benetó that I would be visiting Spain for a 6-week language immersion program in May. Pleased, Mr. Benetó handed me his personal card and told me to enter their composition contest. A few months later, I learned I won 2nd place in the contest, and Spanish Brass performed Santander Overture in Alzira, Spain on July 4, 2018.
Santander Overture is a piece reflecting my experience in Europe this past summer. At first, it was a strange new world, reflected by the dark and ambiguous chords at the beginning of the piece. Eventually, I found my way living in Santander, Spain and fell in love with the city. You’ll find a lot of me in this piece – it’s unapologetically enthusiastic, influenced by jazz, and is in 7/8 time signature (basically my calling card at this point). I hope you enjoy Santander Overture!
Awards:
1st place “audience award” SBALZ International Music Festival
2nd place SBALZ International Composition Competition
Performers:
Carlos Benetó – Trumpet Juanjo Serna – Trumpet Manolo Pérez – Horn Indalecio Bonet – Trombone Sergio Finca – Tuba
Austin Ali 