Cleveland Winds with Trumpet Artist Ashley Hall-Tighe

The Cleveland Winds is proud to host Trumpet performer Ashley Hall-Tighe in a performance that features music by Viet Cuong, Nicole Piunno, Carter Pann, and Martin Ellerby. The CSU Wind Ensemble will perform on the first half of the concert in Waetjen Auditorium on Sunday, November 17, 2023.

Moth Viet Cuong (b. 1990)

Trumpet Concertino Nicole Piunno (b. 1985)

The Three Embraces Carter Pann (b. 1972)

Cane River Murals Martin Ellerby (b. 1957)

I. Spring Planting (Spiritual)

II. Wash Day (Scherzo)

III. Baptism, Wedding & Funeral (Triptych)

IV. Honky Tonk (Blues)

V. Pecan Harvest (Celebration)

Viet Cuong is a contemporary American composer known for his innovative and engaging works for wind ensembles, orchestras, and chamber groups. Born in 1990, Cuong has quickly gained recognition for his unique voice and vibrant compositions. He holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, Princeton University, and the Peabody Conservatory. Cuong's music often explores themes of nature and movement, characterized by its rhythmic vitality and colorful textures.

Moth is a captivating piece that explores the delicate and elusive nature of its namesake insect. The composition is noted for its intricate interplay of textures and dynamic contrasts, capturing the fluttering and unpredictable flight of a moth. The music weaves through shimmering harmonies and sudden bursts of energy, reflecting both the fragility and resilience found in nature. Moth invites listeners to experience a vivid auditory journey, embodying Cuong's signature blend of innovation and emotional depth.

 Ashley Hall-Tighe Ashley Hall-Tighe is an internationally acclaimed trumpet soloist, educator, and certified life coach, celebrated for her exceptional talent and versatility. With nearly two decades of experience, she has performed across four continents and in renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House and the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing. In 2019, she made history as the first trumpeter to perform for the Matinee Musicale concert series in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Since 2008, Ashley has served as the principal trumpet of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and, in August 2023, became the second female member of the esteemed Canadian Brass. Her performances are noted for their energetic joy, stunning technique, and expressive artistry.

As an educator, Ashley combines her passion for whole-person development with a comprehensive approach to trumpet instruction. She has taught at prestigious institutions like the University of Dayton and St. Olaf College and was the founding director of Longy School of Music's Career Coaching Program from 2019 to 2022.

In addition to her musical endeavors, Ashley is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, empowering artists to align their values with their creative lives. She is set to release her debut solo album, "Upcycle," in fall 2024.

Residing in Cincinnati with her husband Dr. Nathaniel Tighe and their two children, Ashley starts each day with coffee and journaling, striving to live with intention, joy, and authenticity.

Nicole Piunno is an American composer known for her expressive and emotive works, particularly for wind ensembles and brass. She holds degrees in both music education and composition, having studied at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Piunno's compositions often explore themes of resilience and beauty, drawing from her personal experiences and insights. Her music is widely performed across the United States, appreciated for its lyrical melodies and rich harmonic language.

Composed in 2018, Nicole Piunno's Trumpet Concertino is a vibrant work that showcases the trumpet's versatility and expressive range. The piece is approximately 10 minutes long and is designed for advanced performers, rated at a difficulty level of 4.5 to 5. It features a blend of lyrical passages and technical brilliance, allowing the soloist to explore both the melodic and virtuosic capabilities of the instrument. The "Trumpet Concertino" reflects Piunno's signature style, combining emotional depth with engaging musical narratives.

Carter Pann is an acclaimed American composer and pianist known for his diverse body of work, which includes compositions for orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber groups, and solo instruments. He has collaborated with renowned ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Seattle Symphony. Pann's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies and vibrant harmonies. He has received numerous accolades, including a Charles Ives Fellowship and multiple ASCAP awards, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music in 2016.

The Three Embraces by Carter Pann is a suite for wind ensemble that explores themes of connection and emotion through its three movements. Each movement captures a different aspect of human interaction, ranging from tender intimacy to exuberant joy. The work is noted for its lush orchestration and expressive melodic lines, inviting listeners to experience a journey through various emotional landscapes. The piece exemplifies Pann's ability to blend traditional musical forms with contemporary sensibilities, creating a piece that resonates deeply with audiences.

Martin Ellerby, born in 1957 in Worksop, England, is a distinguished composer known for his extensive contributions to wind band, brass band, and orchestral music. He studied composition at the Royal College of Music under Joseph Horovitz and later with Wilfred Josephs. Ellerby's works have been performed globally in prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall. He has composed numerous symphonies, concertos, and test pieces for major brass band contests, earning several awards and honors throughout his career.

Cane River Murals is a vivid musical depiction inspired by the rich cultural history and landscapes of the Cane River region in Louisiana. The piece captures the vibrant spirit and diverse heritage of the area through its dynamic orchestration and evocative themes. Ellerby's composition weaves together elements of traditional melodies and contemporary harmonies, creating a tapestry of sound that reflects the region's unique blend of influences. The piece invites listeners to explore the historical and cultural narratives embedded within its musical landscape.