International Trumpet Guild: 'Fitzgerald gave a stunning performance full of sensitive expression.'

[Dr. Langston Fitzgerald III]

Trumpeter Wilmer Wise sent us this official review of a world premiere of a work for trumpet, performed by Dr. Langston Fitzgerald III at the 35th Annual Conference of the International Trumpet Guild, held in Sydney, Australia July 6-10, 2010:

"Langston Fitzgerald III next performed Down a River of Time by Eric Ewazen. This piece got its inspiration from an essay of nostalgic memories that recounts one's life journey. Only the second movement, '...of sorrows' was performed on today's program. The movement was heartfelt, wistful, and poignant. The harmonic language and style would certainly be familiar to those who know Ewazen's music. Playing a liquid line of lyric beauty that encompassed the entire range of the trumpet Fitzgerald gave a stunning performance full of sensitive expression. The movement's soaring lines, sweeping harmonies, and tender moments revealed how Ewazen's music can provide comfort in its lyricism and sincerity."

Penn State University Music Department Faculty Page

"Dr. Langston Fitzgerald III, professor of trumpet at Penn State, played trumpet with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from 1970 to 2003. Fitzgerald has played extra with the National Symphony and performed as assistant principal trumpet with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He is principal trumpet and musical contractor of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society Orchestra. In addition, he is first trumpet and founder of both the Giavanni and the Potomac brass quintets. His free-lancing in Baltimore and Washington has included performing at three presidential inaugurations and three 'Christmas in Washington' nationally televised specials. He helped to contract and played co-principal trumpet at the nationally televised millennium celebration at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"Prior to joining the Penn State faculty, Fitzgerald taught trumpet at Catholic University. He currently teaches at both the Peabody Conservatory of Music and Penn State. He was lecturer at the National Orchestral Institute at the University of Maryland at College Park. Fitzgerald served as assistant professor of trumpet, coordinator of the brass department, and orchestra conductor at Howard University. He has also taught trumpet at Morgan State University, the Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts, University of Maryland at Baltimore County, University of the District of Columbia, Towson State University, and Western Maryland College.

"He is a graduate of Howard University (B.M.E.) and Catholic University of America (M.M. and D.M.A.). He is a member of the International Trumpet Guild and is on the board of the International Women's Brass Conference. Fitzgerald is also a member of the American Federation of Musicians in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore."

Langston Fitzgerald III
Sydney ITG Conference
International Trumpet Guild
Down a River of Time
Eric Ewazen
Wilmer Wise