Joseph Turrin As composer, he has been recognized with major commissions from the New York Philharmonic (Concerto for Trumpet) with Erich Leinsdorf conducting and Philip Smith as soloist, New York Philharmonic (Jazzalogue No.1), Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (Modinha) and Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society (Riffs and Fanfares).  The Concerto for Trumpet was recently given its European premiere with conductor Kurt Masur and the Gewandhausorchester in Leipzig, Germany.  Members of ITG will know his work Two Portraits composed for the ITG's 20th Anniversary.  We had short talk with Turrin via email:

You have written a lot of brass music. Do you play any brass instruments?
I have written much brass music through the years. I've known so many fine players such as Phil Smith and others. I've composed works for solo brass, brass band, brass choir, I have a quintet, and also a quartet for brass and piano. I am now working on a 2nd Trumpet Concerto commissioned for Phil Smith and the University of New Mexico Band. My main instrument is now piano, but back in my high school years I played trumpet, baritone horn and Eb alto horn.

One of your major work is the Concerto for Trumpet.
The work was commissioned for Phil Smith by the New York Philharmonic and was given it's first performance by Phil with Eric Leinsdorf conducting. Phil had asked me for years to compose a major work for trumpet and orchestra so when the Philharmonic approached him he recommend me. I had known Phil's playing for years so writing a piece for him came naturally. I completed the piano reduction before the orchestration for an ITG concert that Phil and I did, a recital at (University of Kentucky). The orchestrations where complete about 3 years later and the NY performance was in 1988-89 some 10 years later.

If our readers would like to perform some of your music where can they get it?
They can contact me at 303 Harding Ave. Clifton, NJ 07011 USA (See my web page at:www.josephturrin.com) Other works are at Theodore Presser in the US, Roshill Music in London. Robert King and others.

Finally, what are you working on right now?
I just finished a film score (Kingdom of Shadows) narrated by the American actor Rod Steiger. I am now working on a new trumpet Concerto for Phil. Commissioned by 15 Universities throughout the US. Also several works for percussionist Evelyn Glennie for the Teldec Label with the London Symphony

O.J. 1998