Rather than classify the North American Horn Quartet (NAHQ), as a professional ensemble, one should think more of a Horn "section" of professional hornists. Collectively, the members of the NAHQ have been performing together and individually for a total of over 80 years! Charles McDonald, Ralph Wagnitz, Alan DeMattia, and Charles Powell have played as professional hornists with the highest quality ensembles and musicians in the world.

The group was first formed in 1971 at Akron University in Akron, Ohio, at The Firestone Conservatory of Music. At the time, horn instructor Charles McDonald sought a method to teach his students how to play together with correct style and musical concepts. The group of mostly students became so enthusiastic that they expanded the ensemble to include students from other universities and even free-lance hornists in the Northeast Ohio area. Many "sessions" went on for hours. It was the goal of playing musically that reached these young horn enthusiasts. This unique blend and style of horn performance exists in few ensembles today. Listen to the unique sound of the NAHQ.

BIOGRAPHIES

Charles McDonald is a former member of Buffalo, Pittsburgh, & Cleveland Orchestras, and for the last 27 years has been both principal and third horn in the The Minnesota Orchestra. While being a member of these orchestras he also taught at several colleges and universities. Ms. Barnett's concerto is one of two concerti that were written specifically for him. Ms. Theresia Perry wrote her Concerto for Horn and Orchestra five years ago (1994) and it was premiered that year in Minnesota by Mr. McDonald.

Ralph Wagnitz is a former member ofThe Cleveland Orchestra, 1972-1984. He performed as a free-lance hornist with The Minnesota Orchestra from 1985-1990. His final years as a professional hornist were as Instructor of Horn and Conductor of the University Brass Choir at the University of Montana, 1990-92. Mr. Wagnitz' current position is GIS and Cartographic Technician with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. Visit Ralph Wagnitz' web site.

Alan DeMattia is currently Utility Hornist with The Cleveland Orchestra. He is an active chamber player and soloist throughout the world and also teaches at Cleveland State University.

Charles W. Powell, MD performed as a member ofThe South African Broadcasting Corporation Orchestra, The Hamilton Philharmonic of Canada, The Royal Brass Quintet and The South Florida Symphony. He retired from music as a profession in 1993 to pursue a career as a physician. He is currently a pediatrician in Paola, Kansas. Visit Dr. Powell's clinic.

About the album and James Chambers.

About the composers and accompanist.

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