Midwest Trumpet Festival returning to Pittsburg State; renowned musician and SEK Symphony to be featured in concert 

An intensive weekend of master classes, recitals, and concerts is planned Oct. 30-31 when the Midwest Trumpet Festival returns to Pittsburg State University after a hiatus in 2020 and 2021. 

Started in 2009 by music professor Todd Hastings, the festival’s mission is to gather leading performers from across the nation, educators, students, and community members for an intensive experience. 

On tap this year is a performance at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 by guest trumpeter Jens Lindemann — a renowned musician — and the Southeast Kansas Symphony, directed by Raul Munguia and Mexican-born guest conductor Gustavo Rivero Weber. 

The concert will take place in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 1711 S. Homer, and is free and open to the public. 

 Trumpeter

Lindemann, the guest trumpeter, was classically trained at the renowned Juilliard School in New York and McGill University in Montreal. He is the first classical brass soloist to ever receive the Order of Canada, was hailed by the Brass Herald as one of the most celebrated artists in his instrument’s history, and recently was named “International Brass Personality of the Year.”  

He has played both jazz and classical in every major concert venue in the world: from the Philharmonics of New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Moscow, and Tokyo to Carnegie Hall and even the Great Wall of China.  

He also performed with the renowned Canadian Brass and in a solo command performance for Queen Elizabeth II. 

The evening also will feature many Latin American musicians who for the seventh season have been visiting the PSU campus to strengthen an ongoing artistic collaboration among institutions. The program includes Dvorak Symphony No.8, A Jazz Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra by Allan Gilliland, Vivaldi Concerto for two Trumpets, and other works.  

Paulina Leisring, a professional pianist from the Kansas City area, will perform as the collaborative pianist, and featured guest artists include numerous award-winning and celebrated trumpeters: Trent Austin, Eric Dickson, Greg Grooms, Ben Hay, Alan Hood, Steve Leisring, Grant Peters, William Richardson, Karl Sievers, Tom Smith, Kevin Tague, David Torres, and Tim Wootton. 

On both Oct. 30 and 31, guest artists and faculty will conduct workshops, make presentations, and rehearse. Middle school and high school students, and college students, will have the opportunity to work with guest artists to improve skills.  

A faculty artists recital with Lindemann will conclude the festival at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31 in the Bicknell Center. 

Additional details: 620-235-4466 or www.pittstate.edu/music