American Composer David Sampson to Work with Young Mucisians in Perth

Internationally acclaimed American composer David Sampson will visit Perth this week to collaborate with local emerging artists, as well as mentoring talented up and coming young musicians and high school students.

The New York based Sampson is visiting Perth thanks to the support of the US Consul General's office, spending three days at both the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAPA).

Sampson will take part in a cross cultural composition workshop at the University of Western Australia on Tuesday August 11 at 3pm, which will be chaired by well-known Australian composer James Ledger. Members of the public are invited to attend.

WAAPA will host a free public recital featuring music by David Sampson on Wednesday 12 August at 6.30pm in their Music Auditorium, featuring leading local musicians including the Principal Trumpet of the West Australian Symphony (WASO) Brent Grapes,

"I'm really excited to be able to present a concert of David Sampson's music, especially with the composer present," Grapes said. "I've had a long connection with David and his music, having studied with the same teacher at Juilliard and I have been a fan of his work for many years. I'm delighted that the students in Perth with have such an opportunity to work with a composer of David's standard."

Grapes will be joined the organist Stewart Smith, pianist Adam Pinto, as well as students from WAAPA for the recital, performing works including selections from Sampson's The Mysteries Remain, Flight, Morning Pages, as well as the Tomasi Trumpet Concerto.

Regarded as one of the truly unique voices of his generation, Sampson is achieving rapidly growing attention from major orchestras, soloists and ensembles. His visit to Australia also saw the world premiere of his new work Memories to Keep Alive, performed by former WASO Principal Trumpet (now Principal Trumpet for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra) David Elton and the Goldner Quartet at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville.

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