This preview has been provided by Music for a Great Space.

Special relationships can lead to extraordinary events. On Tuesday, May 26 at 7:30pm, Chris Brubeck will return to the Triad with several musicians from France to present a concert with his long-time friend, pianist John Salmon. This concert, at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Recital Hall in the Music Building, is the result of a partnership between Eastern Music Festival (EMF) and Music for a Great Space (MGS), long-time allies in the chamber music scene in Greensboro.

John Salmon, professor of piano at UNCG, has been a friend of the Brubeck family since he was a child. “I was a big fan of Chris’s father, jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, and when I was 16 years old, I sent Dave a letter and he wrote back!” John later met and performed with the legendary Dave Brubeck and developed a friendship, both on and off the stage with his sons, including “Brubeck Brothers” Chris and Dan.

When Chris discovered that his performance schedule would be bringing him to North Carolina this summer, he contacted Music for a Great Space to inquire if the organization would like to present a concert featuring Salmon and himself. 

Very quickly a connection between MGS and EMF was established for this event. “We felt that there are many EMF patrons who would really enjoy this concert, and many MGS attendees who would love the summer offerings of Eastern Music Festival. A collaboration seemed like a natural partnership as we help to promote outstanding chamber music throughout the Triad,” says Rebecca Libera, MGS Executive Director. Chris Williams, EMF Executive Director adds, “Small ensembles are a very important part of what we present here at EMF. Our chamber music and EMF Fringe series have a long history of presenting musically outstanding and entertaining programs for our patrons. Working with MGS will enable us to make this concert a reality, and will be a great way to kick-off our 2015 EMF Fringe series line-up.”

For this concert, three artists from France will join Chris Brubeck and John Salmon. Brubeck is currently touring with another good friend, saxophonist and composer, Guillaume Saint-James. Brubeck and Saint-James recently collaborated on an orchestral composition commissioned for D-Day commemoration celebrations in France last year. The work is entitled Brothers in Arts: 70 Years of Liberty which features a jazz combo made up of Brubeck on trombone, Saint-James on saxophones,  and several other French musicians, including Jerome Seguin, on bass and Thierry Arpino on drums, who will participate in the Greensboro concert.

Tickets for the concert will be available at the door and in advance at easternmusicfestival.org or by calling the Triad Stage box office (336) 272-0160. General admission: $25, plus taxes and fees (parking in the McIver deck is included.) For more details: http://easternmusicfestival.org/, musicforagreatspace.org or call (336) 638-7624.

About Eastern Music Festival

Eastern Music Festival’s mission is to promote musical enrichment, excellence, professional collaboration, innovation and diversity through a nationally-recognized teaching program, music festival, concerts and other programs which will enhance the quality of life, health and vitality of our region.

Eastern Music Festival is distinctive, set apart by our accomplished faculty, exhilarating repertoire, brilliant students, world-renowned visiting artists and extensive community outreach. Learn more:easternmusicfestival.org/

About Music for a Great Space

Music for a Great Space (MGS) is an independent non-profit musical arts organization bringing the finest musicians to the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. The mission of Music for a Great Space is to present a series of inspiring musical performances and educational offerings, opening doors to the diverse cultural interests of the Piedmont Triad community. Learn more: musicforagreatspace.org

The work of Eastern Music Festival and Music for a Great Space is made possible with funding from ArtsGreensboro and the NC Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.