| Another long-lasting American trumpet section that has flown under the radar screen because it's a part-time orchestra is that of the Orchestra of St. Luke's. St. Luke's is a freelance orchestra in NYC whose core membership has remained remarkably intact since the ensemble's inception in 1979. In their performances, they present a wide variety of repertoire ranging from Bach and his contemporaries to living composers, sounding terrific on all!
From approx. 1982-1998, I believe the section was usually 1st-Chris Gekker, 2nd-Carl Albach, and 3rd-Susan Radcliff.
This orchestra plays frequently at Carnegie Hall (just last week, they played a nice program under Roberto Abbado there), churches in NYC, go on national and international tours, and records. Of particular note to trumpeters, they have some recorded several Copland discs under Dennis Russell Davies in the early 90's, a Brandenburg set recorded recently, 2003?, with Mr. Gekker playing the 2nd Concerto, a really good Bach Magnificat, and many others. In addition, the Orch. of St. Luke's also has a summer residence in Westchester County, NY at the Caramoor Festival.
- Mike Blutman |