Under the Radar

By Brian McCreath

For the "box office" names you can think of in classical music - Yo-Yo Ma, Murray Perahia, and Anne-Sophie Mutter, for instance - there are many others whose work is extraordinary and whom you hear on a regular basis on 99.5 All Classical.  Trumpeter Chris Gekker is one of those.  You've heard his work in many recordings by ensembles like the Orchestra of St. Luke's, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the American Brass Quintet.  He's also worked with Sting and jazz musician Wayne Shorter. 

During the years I made my living as a trumpeter, Chris's playing was always a model.  Gorgeous tone and technique to burn, but also the ability to fit in wherever he was playing.  A few years ago, Chris decided to leave New York and teach at the University of Maryland, and I was thrilled to find a new recording yesterday that features him, along with two colleagues in a series of pieces for brass trio.  I'll have one of those, the Trio for Brass by Lauren Bernofsky, today, just after 3pm.

And from that same recording, here's some music written by Boston's own Alan Hovhaness: