Matthew van Emmerik leaves for the USA today and will be performing, adjudicating and presenting master classes as a guest artist at the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival held at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Twin Lake, Michigan.

The Festival

The Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival has gained recognition as the premiere event of its kind.

Born in 1986 as a way to honour the memory of Dr. Leonard Falcone, the official Grandfather of euphonium playing in the USA, the Festival began as a competition for both student and artist level euphonium performers, the event then evolved into a true festival in 1991 when its sponsoring committee expanded its offerings to include lessons, ensembles, seminars, and clinics with some of the world's greatest euphonium virtuosi.

The sponsoring committee again expanded the festival 1996 to include a full range of festival activities for tuba.

The Invitation

Matthew was invited to be this year’s International guest by Tuba Legend Marty Erickson who Matthew has the greatest amount of respect for: "Marty is a true legend of the tuba world, his name is synonymous with playing and entertaining of the highest caliber, whether it’s with Wycliffe Gordon or the Brass Band of Battle Creek, Marty is a consummate professional in every sense of the word, and I was incredibly humbled to be asked to perform at an event I have held in such esteem since learning about it when I was a young student studying in Country Victoria, Australia."

...Marty is a consummate professional in every sense of the word, and I was incredibly humbled to be asked to perform at an event I have held in such esteem...Matthew van Emmerik

Surprise

"The Event is also special due to the 90th Birthday celebrations of Leonard Falcone’s wife Beryl, who has attended the Festival every year since its inception! I have a surprise for her in my recital so I hope she enjoys the special piece I have chosen, no pressure!"

The Festival starts on Friday August 12, with the guest artist recital by Matthew and the subsequent days are busy with competitions, warm up sessions and clinics.

There may also be the potential of a spot of sailing on the great lakes, depending on the weather and schedule of course!

More information can be found at the Falcone website: http://falconefestival.org/